Meta used AI to tag workers who took leave to be laid off, lawsuit claims

5 hours ago

Dozens of Meta employees have sued the company, alleging that AI tools were used to target workers for mass layoffs, especially those who took protected leaves.
The lawsuit claims Meta used AI systems like performance ratings and keystroke monitoring to select employees for termination without managerial judgment, disproportionately affecting those on leave.
Plaintiffs seek a court ruling to halt the layoffs, reinstatement, back pay, and damages, citing irreversible harms like lost health coverage and immigration consequences.
Meta disputes the allegations, stating that workforce decisions are made by people, not AI, but the lawsuit highlights growing concerns over AI bias and privacy in the workplace.
The AI monitoring program, launched without employee consent and paused in June after backlash, collected data on keystrokes, activity, and communications to train AI models.
Plaintiffs request an independent audit of Meta's AI tools and anonymity due to retaliation fears, with terminations set to begin on July 22.

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