Google has started laying off employees in China as it shutters a significant portion of its operations in the country, according to reports. The move is part of the tech giant’s ongoing efforts to streamline its global workforce and focus on more profitable ventures.
The layoffs are said to affect several hundred employees, including sales and marketing staff, as well as engineers and other technical personnel. The affected employees will reportedly receive generous severance packages and other benefits.
Google has struggled to gain a foothold in China due to the country’s strict internet censorship laws and competition from local tech giants such as Baidu and Tencent. The company has also faced criticism over its handling of user data and privacy concerns.
Despite these challenges, Google has continued to invest in the Chinese market, launching new products and services aimed at Chinese consumers. The company’s recent decision to scale back its operations in China is seen as a strategic move to focus on more profitable markets.
The layoffs in China are part of a broader restructuring effort by Google, which has also announced layoffs in other parts of its global workforce. The company is looking to trim costs and refocus its efforts on core businesses such as search, advertising, and cloud computing.
The move is likely to have a significant impact on Google’s operations in China and the broader tech industry in the country. It remains to be seen how the company will navigate the challenges of operating in a highly regulated and competitive market.