I don't mean to come off as naive here, but a non-cynical explanation for the layoffs is just that this is a new field and it's going to take a little experimen

I don't mean to come off as naive here, but a non-cynical explanation for the layoffs is just that this is a new field and it's going to take a little experimentation to rightsize the staffing levels most effectively. According to the article, "Microsoft still maintains an active Office of Responsible AI, which is tasked with creating rules and principles to govern the company’s AI initiatives. The company says its overall investment in responsibility work is increasing despite the recent layoffs," and it's possible to take that statement more or less at face value and not assume they are just throwing responsible AI out of the window.