GoKawiilMeta will track its employees' keystrokes, clicks and mouse movements -- and even capture screenshots of what's on their computer screens -- to help train the company's AI models. That's according to a Reuters report on Tuesday, citing an internal memo sent to workers.
According to the memo, Meta will install a new software program called the Model Capability Initiative on the computers of US-based employees and contractors. The tracking software will operate on work-related apps and websites and is part of Meta's plan to build AI agents that can do tasks autonomously.
The announcement, published in its entirety by Business Insider, said that monitored apps and URLs would include Gmail, GChat and Metamate, an employee AI assistant. Workers' phones would not be included in the tracking.
Business Insider reported that Meta employees were "up in arms" about the plan to use tracking software.
On an internal communications website seen by the news outlet, one employee wrote, "This makes me super uncomfortable. How do we opt out?"
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth responded, "There is no way to opt out on your work laptop," prompting staff to react with shocked, crying and angry emoji, according to Business Insider.
As it invests in AI development -- more than $135 billion this year -- Meta continues to reduce headcount. The company plans to lay off about 8,000 employees, 10% of its workforce of 79,000, starting May 20. The company reportedly has cut 25,000 jobs since 2022.
Meta's AI surveillance
Meta wants to train its AI on tasks it cannot yet replicate, focusing on how people actually use their computers. This includes such actions as selecting options from dropdown menus and using keyboard shortcuts.
"This is where all Meta employees can help our models get better simply by doing their daily work," the memo said.
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