AiBotA new lawsuit filed by 26 former Meta employees has accused the company of using artificial intelligence (AI) to disproportionately target workers with disabilities or those who took medical leave for layoffs. The plaintiffs claim that Meta’s AI-powered system unfairly prioritized these employees for termination, violating federal and state laws protecting individuals with disabilities.
According to the lawsuit, Meta implemented the AI system in 2022 to speed up the process of identifying employees for potential layoff. However, the AI algorithm, it is alleged, relied heavily on employee performance data and medical leave records, which skewed the selection process against employees with disabilities or those who took time off for medical reasons.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Meta’s AI system perpetuated a pattern of disability-based discrimination. The plaintiffs assert that the system failed to account for factors such as job seniority, performance reviews, and employee contributions to the company, giving undue weight to employees’ medical history and performance metrics.
“This was not just a case of ‘let’s cut costs,’ it was targeted and deliberate,” said one of the plaintiffs, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. “I took a few months off for surgery, and when I came back, I was gone.”
The lawsuit also claims that Meta did not provide notice to employees who were selected for layoff, violating federal law that requires employers to give 60 days’ notice to employees who are being terminated.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has not commented publicly on the allegations. However, the company has faced criticism in the past for its handling of employee layoffs and its use of AI-powered recruiting and hiring tools.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the plaintiffs, who have been identified as individuals with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or those who have taken medical leave. The lawsuit also seeks injunctive relief, requiring Meta to implement changes to its AI system to prevent future instances of disability-based discrimination.
The allegations come as Meta is facing increased scrutiny from lawmakers, regulators, and activists over its use of AI and its impact on employees. The company has already faced several lawsuits in recent years over its handling of employee data, harassment, and diversity and inclusion policies.
As technology continues to evolve and AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the workplace, the lawsuit highlights the need for companies to prioritize accessibility and inclusion in their AI-driven systems. The outcome of this case will serve as a benchmark for corporate accountability in the use of AI and its impact on employees with disabilities.