# Former Employees Sue Meta Over Alleged Use of Biased AI Systems Meta is accused of using biased AI tools during layoffs. - **Source:** [Engadget](https://www.engadget.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/0d33dc96-a23d-42e6-b885-aa2f9e24d326 ## Meta's Layoffs Meta reduced its workforce by 10% in May 2023. It is alleged that AI systems were used to determine which employees would be laid off. The system reportedly disproportionately targeted employees who took medical leave. ## AI Tools Meta's AI tools included an internal assistant called 'Metamate,' employee-trained 'second brain' agents, and activity monitoring data. These tools were used to measure employee performance and productivity. ## Allegations and Issues The lawsuit claims that Meta's system did not take into account employees on medical or family leave. These employees argue they were unfairly targeted because they couldn't use AI tools during their leave. ## Legal Grounds Laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act prohibit companies from considering protected leave in layoff decisions. California laws also prevent automated decision systems from discriminating based on disability or sex. ## Employees' Demands Former employees are asking the court to halt Meta's layoffs and subject the algorithm-assisted selection process to an independent audit. They also plan to pursue their claims in arbitration due to contract terms. ## Meta's Defense Meta considers the lawsuit meritless and argues that layoffs were made by humans. The company emphasizes the significant role of human input in the decision-making process involving AI systems. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.engadget.com/2215258/former-employees-sue-over-meta-s-alleged-use-of-biased-ai-systems-during-layoffs/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._