Meta Used AI To Target Workers With Medical Conditions For Layoffs: Lawsuit
Twenty-six anonymous Meta employees have filed a lawsuit alleging the company used AI-driven software to target workers with disabilities or medical leave for layoffs. Meta has denied the claims, asserting that workforce decisions are made by humans rather than AI.
Why it matters
This is a landmark case challenging the use of algorithmic decision-making in corporate HR practices and its potential for discriminatory bias.
Twenty-six employees of Meta Platforms have filed a novel lawsuit accusing the tech giant of using AI-powered software that disproportionately targeted people with disabilities or who took medical leave in selecting workers for mass layoffs.The lawsuit, filed in Oakland, California, federal court late Monday, says that the company relied on factors such as productivity and AI token usage when it slashed thousands of jobs earlier this year, disadvantaging people who missed work because of medical conditions or to care for family members.The plaintiffs, who were notified in May that their jobs would be eliminated starting on July 22, are seeking a preliminary ruling from the court blocking Meta from completing the layoffs while they pursue their claims in private arbitration.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in