obviously a layoff tactic.

It sure smells like it, right? But, and I'm repeating myself and others, the important part here is that, if it is a layoff tactic, it's a horrible one: as per the Dead Sea Effect, the people who leave as a result of declining workplace environment are those most able to leave, i.e the most employable staff, with each round of departures. Thus, the people whom Meta would want to stay around are the people most likely to find, get, and depart for jobs elsewhere. And while Meta are bastards, the mechanics of working in a massive org like that one score really well for skills companies want.

I wish them luck in this terrible job market, and hope they can find a supportive environment again. We can always do with more smart people working for the greater good instead of against it.

Millions? Try $77 B-b-billion.