WISETECHGROUP BEGINS LAYOFFS, OMITS AI MENTION IN CHINA

The ASX-listed logistics software company announced redundancies affecting nearly 30% of its 7,000-strong global workforce in February. Employees across 40 countries are being informed of their termination. WiseTech attributed the layoffs to AI advancements enabling operational efficiency. However, emails sent to staff in China excluded mentions of artificial intelligence, according to workers. The omission follows a recent Chinese court case against another technology company. China's regulatory environment has grown increasingly sensitive to how foreign firms discuss AI-driven layoffs, with officials scrutinizing whether job losses comply with labor protections. WiseTech did not immediately comment on the different messaging strategy between regions. The company's decision to tailor communications reflects broader challenges multinational corporations face navigating divergent regulatory approaches to AI and employment across markets.