Meta accused of using biased AI targeting for mass layoffs
Meta faces a lawsuit from 26 former employees alleging the company used biased AI tools to target workers on leave during mass layoffs. The plaintiffs claim internal performance algorithms unfairly penalized those away from their roles for medical or family reasons.
A group of 26 former Meta employees has filed a lawsuit against the social media giant, alleging that the company utilized an unfair "constellation" of internal AI tools to select candidates for dismissal. The legal action claims these automated systems disproportionately targeted individuals who were on protected leave at the time of the layoffs.
According to the lawsuit, the algorithms relied on performance data that did not account for employees being away for medical or family reasons. The plaintiffs argue that this reliance on raw data resulted in biased outcomes, effectively penalizing staff for taking legally sanctioned time off.
Meta has previously stated that its layoff processes were designed to be meritocratic and aimed at streamlining operational efficiency. This legal challenge adds to growing scrutiny regarding the use of automated decision-making in human resources and workforce management. Source: Reuters.