New Delhi, Apr 22: Meta has begun rolling out software that records employee computer activity to train its artificial intelligence systems.
The company, which owns Meta Platforms, is installing a tool known as the Model Capability Initiative (MCI) on work devices used by employees in the United States. The software captures mouse movements, clicks, keyboard inputs, and periodic screenshots while staff use workplace applications and websites.
Internal communications indicate the company plans to use this data to improve how its AI systems perform routine digital tasks such as navigating menus, selecting options, and using shortcuts. The initiative forms part of Meta’s broader push to build AI agents capable of handling routine work processes with minimal human intervention.
The monitoring rollout comes as Meta accelerates its shift toward AI-driven workflows. Company leadership has indicated that future work models may rely heavily on automated agents performing routine tasks, while employees supervise and refine outputs.
Meta has also initiated workforce restructuring alongside its AI expansion. Reports indicate the company plans to reduce roughly 10% of its global workforce starting May 20, with additional cuts under consideration later this year. The restructuring aligns with wider trends across major technology firms investing heavily in automation.
The use of keystroke logging and screen capture has raised concerns among workplace and legal experts. Historically, such tools were mainly used to detect misconduct or track productivity in logistics and gig-based roles. Their application to white-collar employees represents a notable expansion of digital workplace surveillance.
Legal experts note that U.S. federal law places limited restrictions on employer monitoring practices, though some states require companies to inform employees when surveillance tools are in use. In contrast, similar monitoring methods could face stricter scrutiny under European privacy regulations, including provisions under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Meta has stated that data collected through the MCI system will be used only for AI model training and not for employee performance evaluations. However, the company has not publicly detailed the specific safeguards that will prevent sensitive information from being captured.
