Meta sued over AI use in layoffs targeting workers on medical, parental leave

Key Points:

• Twenty-six Meta employees have filed a lawsuit accusing the company of using AI-powered software to disproportionately target workers with disabilities or those on medical, parental, or family leave during recent mass layoffs.
• The lawsuit alleges Meta relied on AI systems, keystroke monitoring, and algorithmic performance rankings that inherently disadvantage employees on protected leave, violating laws such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Plaintiffs seek a court order to halt the layoffs while pursuing claims, arguing that finalizing terminations would cause irreparable harm, including loss of employer-subsidized health coverage during critical medical periods.
• Meta denies the allegations, stating workforce decisions were made by humans and not AI, calling the claims meritless and unfounded.
• The group includes employees from six states, with many having taken pregnancy or caregiving leave, and they argue that the algorithmic process disproportionately impacts women due to their higher likelihood of taking such leave.