Meta is reportedly using workplace tracking software to collect data from employees in order to train its artificial intelligence systems. The move raises questions about how far companies can go in using staff activity to improve AI tools.
Most users know that platforms such as Instagram track their behaviour and preferences to train algorithms. Now, employees of the company behind Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp are subject to a similar kind of tracking, used to feed the development of AI systems.
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According to Reuters, the global tech company is set to capture workers’ mouse movements, clicks and keystrokes. In some cases, it might even take snapshots of what is displayed on their screens.
The software doing this is called Model Capability Initiative (MCI). It runs on a specific list of websites and workapps and basically transforms the employees’ daily behaviour into training data for Meta’s AI models.
A Meta spokesperson told TechCrunch the company needs real examples of how people use computers.
CNBC reported that among the several hundred websites on this list are Google, LinkedIn, Wikipedia, Slack and GitHub.
Opting out is not an option
According to the reports, the software is installed on US-based employees - who do not have the option to opt out. But Meta told its workforce, according to the memos quoted by Reuters, that data gathered through the system would not be used for employee performance evaluations or any purpose other than AI training.
The reported use of employee activity as training data shows how workplace behaviour is becoming part of AI development. It raises questions about where productivity ends and monitoring begins.
