Central News Agency (Washington, July 30, CNA, International) U.S. media outlet Business Insider reported today, citing sources, that Microsoft plans to launch a new round of layoffs, expected to affect less than 2.5% of its global workforce. The news could be announced as early as next week. In recent months, U.S. companies have continued to streamline their workforces, controlling costs while investing in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure, as layoffs continue to spread across the technology, media, and financial industries. Business Insider reported that Microsoft's layoffs will impact thousands of positions across its sales, consulting, and Xbox gaming divisions. Reuters could not immediately confirm the report, and Microsoft declined to comment. According to filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last year, Microsoft had approximately 228,000 full-time employees as of June 30, 2025. Reuters cited a Bloomberg report earlier this month stating that Microsoft's Xbox division plans to conduct significant layoffs and substantially cut marketing and other budgets. This follows Xbox's previous price increase for its global gaming consoles, citing intensifying global component supply shortages. U.S. tech news website The Information reported in June this year that Microsoft was evaluating the future direction of its Xbox gaming division, including potential spin-offs or restructuring into a wholly-owned subsidiary. Microsoft announced in July 2025 that it was cutting nearly 4% of its employees, marking the largest layoff in recent years. In addition, social media giant Facebook's parent company, Meta, announced it would lay off 10% of its workforce this year, and Amazon also plans to cut approximately 16,000 jobs globally. (Compiled by Liu Wenyu) 1150701 Stand with facts, your every contribution supports the power of press freedom. Download the CNA "One-Stop News" APP for real-time updates. This website's text, images, and videos may no