Google Lays Off Dozens In News Division Amid Misinformation Crisis

In a surprising move, Google GOOGL GOOG has laid off dozens from its news team this week. This decision comes at a time when the role of online platforms in battling misinformation is increasingly under scrutiny.

While the Google spokesperson confirmed the layoffs, they did not disclose the exact number of jobs lost, CNBC reported. However, a source from the Alphabet Workers Union estimated the number of affected workers to be between 40 and 45.

“We’re deeply committed to a vibrant information ecosystem, and news is a part of that long-term investment. A small number of employees were impacted. We’re supporting everyone with a transition period, outplacement services, and severance as they look for new opportunities at Google and beyond,” said the spokesperson.

The layoffs come amid a surge in misinformation related to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Recently, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) called for information on how tech giants like Google were combating the spread of false content on their platforms.

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European Union industry chief, Thierry Breton, also urged companies, including Google, to take stricter measures against disinformation in line with the EU’s Digital Services Act.

The Google spokesperson assured, “These internal changes have no impact on our misinformation and information quality work in News.” 

These layoffs follow Google’s announcement earlier this year of cutting 12,000 jobs across different company sectors, impacting approximately 6% of its full-time workforce.

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