Meta used a ‘constellation of internal artificial intelligence systems’ to target workers in recent layoffs, lawsuit claims – keystroke monitoring data, AI token usage, and performance ratings allegedly decided employee fates
Publish Date: 2026-07-15 06:54:00
Source Domain: www.itpro.com
Here is a summary using an unordered list:
* A group of current and former Meta employees has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging the use of AI to target employees on medical or family leave for layoffs.
* Meta announced the layoff of approximately 8,000 staff, around 10% of its workforce, in May.
* According to the lawsuit, Meta employed AI systems that integrated keystroke and activity monitoring data to generate a list of employees for layoff.
* The AI processes allegedly failed to consider legitimate reasons for lower productivity while disproportionately targeting employees on leave.
* The lawsuit highlights examples where employees were laid off days before giving birth or during medical leave, leading to significant personal harm.
* The 26 plaintiffs claim damages for violations of state-protected leave laws, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
* They are requesting a preliminary court ruling to halt the layoffs, seeking compensation that includes reinstatement, back pay, lost equity, and benefits.
* The case brings into focus the potential for bias and ethical considerations in using AI for human resources decisions, paralleling a broader industry debate.
