Meta Monitors Employee Activity to Support AI Development

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has introduced a system that tracks how employees interact with their computers as part of its expanding artificial intelligence (AI) efforts.
The initiative, known as the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), records activity such as keystrokes, mouse clicks, and interactions within internal applications. According to the company, the data will be used to train AI systems aimed at improving the automation of everyday computer-based tasks.
Meta has stated that the information collected will be used solely for AI development and that safeguards are in place to protect sensitive data. However, the rollout has prompted concerns among some employees, particularly in the context of recent organisational changes.
The company has reduced its workforce in recent months and slowed hiring, contributing to unease among staff. Some employees have expressed concerns that increased monitoring could add pressure in an environment where job security is already under scrutiny.
At the same time, Meta is significantly increasing its investment in AI. The company has indicated plans to allocate substantial funding toward AI development in 2026, alongside strategic investments in firms such as Scale AI to strengthen its capabilities.
The development highlights a broader discussion within the technology sector about the balance between innovation and employee privacy. As companies expand their use of AI, questions around data usage, transparency, and workplace trust are becoming increasingly prominent.
​