Google Buyouts Expand Amid AI, Antitrust Pressures

Google has launched a new round of voluntary buyouts for U.S.-based employees across divisions including search, advertising, research, engineering, marketing, and communications, as it seeks to streamline its workforce and focus on AI initiatives. The 'Voluntary Exit Program' offers severance packages to staff who feel misaligned with the company’s evolving AI-centric strategy, particularly amid increased investment in projects like Gemini and AI-powered Search. Employees living within 50 miles of a Google office are now required to return to a hybrid work schedule, emphasizing in-person collaboration. This move follows earlier layoffs and buyouts, and comes as other tech companies such as Microsoft and Amazon also cut staff to manage the high costs of AI and economic uncertainty. The buyouts are taking place ahead of anticipated court decisions in antitrust cases that could affect Google's business operations. Google leadership aims to retain high-performing staff while offering an amicable exit to those not aligned with new strategic priorities.