Meta, the operator of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced a system that collects employees’ mouse movements and keyboard inputs to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models, Reuters reported on April 21.
According to an internal Meta memo obtained by Reuters, the company said it is installing tracking software called the “Model Capability Initiative (MCI)” on work computers of its U.S. employees.
The program reportedly records mouse movements, clicks and keystrokes across work applications and websites, and also includes a function to capture portions of the screen.
Meta explained that the purpose is to enable AI to better learn how humans use computers, such as selecting dropdown menus or using keyboard shortcuts, Reuters reported.
Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth said, “Ultimately, AI agents will perform most tasks, with humans taking on roles of directing and reviewing them.”
Meta is restructuring its operations around AI, including reducing distinctions between job roles and introducing a generalized position known as “AI builders.”
However, Reuters noted that the measure is likely to spark controversy, as it could significantly expand surveillance of office workers.
Ify Ajunwa, a law professor at Yale University, told Reuters, “Tracking keystrokes goes a step further than previous forms of surveillance,” adding, “Real-time monitoring, once centered on gig workers, is expanding to white-collar employees.”
In Europe, such practices could potentially violate privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Reuters analyzed. Meta said the data will not be used for performance evaluations but solely for AI training, and that safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information.
Meanwhile, major technology companies, including Meta, are restructuring their workforces in line with AI adoption. Meta plans to cut about 10% of its workforce, while companies such as Amazon and Block are also undergoing large-scale restructuring.