Microsoft freezes hiring in key units as AI spending reshapes priorities

Microsoft has paused hiring across parts of its cloud and sales divisions, reflecting tighter cost control as AI investments surge. The move, which excludes teams working on Copilot, comes as the company faces pressure to balance rising infrastructure spending with profitability. As growth in cloud slows, the decision underscores a broader recalibration across big tech, where hiring plans increasingly hinge on returns from AI-driven expansion.