Meta is installing software on the computers of its U.S.-based employees to track mouse movements, clicks, keystrokes, and screen snapshots, according to a report from platformer.news.
The program, known as the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), aims to train AI agents to perform computer tasks with human-like precision. Meta CTO Andrew Bosworth described a future where AI agents "primarily do the work" while employees focus on directing and reviewing them.
Internal discussions obtained by Platformer show employees are concerned about the privacy of their data. Staff members questioned how the company would prevent the capture of personally identifiable information, health data, or financial records, particularly since the tool can observe Gmail activity.
Bosworth responded to these concerns by noting that Gmail is an approved context for the tool. He advised employees that if they have privacy concerns, they should avoid checking personal email on work computers.
When an employee asked if there was an opt-out mechanism, Bosworth stated, "No there is no opt out on your work provided laptop."
Efficiency and automation
Meta is implementing these monitoring tools while simultaneously reducing its workforce. The company confirmed it is laying off 10 percent of its staff, approximately 8,000 people, as part of a push for efficiency. Meta is also leaving 6,000 open positions unfilled.
These cuts coincide with a massive investment in AI infrastructure, with the company expected to spend up to $135 billion this year. In June 2025, Meta paid $14.3 billion for a 49% stake in Scale AI, installing Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang to lead its new superintelligence team.
Scale AI's business model relies on harvesting workflow data from contractors. Wang previously noted that a lack of high-quality agent data is a primary obstacle to model development.
Meta's strategy mirrors 'Taylorism,' a management style from the early 20th century that broke down skilled labor into measurable, standardized motions. The MCI program seeks to make knowledge work legible to AI systems so it can be captured and automated.
Mark Zuckerberg noted during a recent earnings call that the company is seeing projects that once required large teams now being completed by single individuals. The company's current headcount is returning to levels seen at the end of 2023, following previous rounds of massive layoffs.
