Meta has begun installing behavioral tracking software on US-based employees' devices to collect mouse movements, keystrokes, and screen snapshots for AI training, according to internal memos reviewed by Reuters. The initiative, part of the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), aims to improve AI agents' ability to replicate human-computer interactions like dropdown menu navigation and shortcut use.
Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth announced the rebranded 'Agent Transformation Accelerator' program this week, envisioning a future where AI agents handle most work tasks autonomously. 'Our role will shift to directing and reviewing AI performance,' he stated in a staff memo.
The push aligns with Silicon Valley's 2026 automation wave, where companies like Meta and Amazon have cut thousands of jobs while investing in AI systems capable of coding and project management. Meta plans 10% workforce reductions starting May 20, with additional cuts anticipated this year.
Privacy experts warn the tracking represents unprecedented white-collar surveillance. Yale law professor Ifeoma Ajunwa notes: 'This subjects office workers to monitoring previously limited to gig economy roles.' While legal in most US states, European researchers suggest such practices might violate GDPR regulations, particularly in countries like Germany and Italy.
Meta spokesperson Andy Stone emphasized data would not be used for performance reviews, stating safeguards protect sensitive information. The company continues restructuring teams, recently forming an Applied AI engineering unit to develop next-generation automation tools.
