Meta introduces limited concessions to AI employee tracking programme
The changes come after CEO Mark Zuckerberg defended the controversial keystroke and mouse-tracking system as essential for AI model improvement, amidst recent layoffs and staff unrest.
Meta is reportedly introducing minor concessions to its controversial Model Capability Initiative (MCI), a programme that tracks employee mouse clicks and keystrokes for artificial intelligence training purposes. According to a report by The Information, the company has made changes to the project following employee protests and a recent workforce reshuffle. The adjustments include allowing workers to pause the tracking for up to 30 minutes when attending to personal matters, as outlined in a memo to staff.
Under the revised policy, a subset of employees may request a full opt-out of the programme. This exemption is limited to remote workers experiencing bandwidth concerns, individuals handling sensitive material, and those who frequently work in environments where keeping laptops connected to a power source is difficult. The company also reported improvements to the software’s battery usage to address specific employee complaints, as noted by Reuters.
The Model Capability Initiative was announced last month, shortly before Meta laid off 8,000 workers and reshuffled thousands of others into AI-focused roles. The programme has drawn criticism for its extensive monitoring capabilities, with employees expressing concerns over privacy and the implications of having their digital activities recorded in the name of improving AI models.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg has defended the initiative, stating that observing high-performing staff is the most effective method for accelerating AI development. In leaked audio from a company-wide meeting, Zuckerberg described the approach as watching "really smart people do things," arguing that the average intelligence at Meta is significantly higher than that of typical task workers. He clarified that the data is not used for surveillance or performance tracking, but rather to feed content into AI models to learn how skilled users accomplish tasks.
Zuckerberg indicated that if the programme proves successful, the company may expand similar initiatives in the future. However, the concessions suggest a pragmatic response to internal dissent, ensuring that the vast majority of employees remain subject to tracking while providing limited relief for those with specific technical or operational constraints.
