Meta Installs Tracking Software on U.S. Employees' Computers for AI Training

Meta is installing tracking software on the work computers of its U.S. employees to capture data such as mouse movements, clicks, keystrokes, and some screenshots, Reuters reported. This data will be used to train the company's AI models. The software will operate on a specific list of work applications and websites.

The effort was outlined in a memo to staff this week from the Meta Superintelligence Labs team, which Reuters reviewed. The memo stated that the data collection would help AI models learn basic computer-use behaviors, such as navigating dropdown menus and using keyboard shortcuts.

Employees were informed they could contribute by performing their regular work tasks.

The initiative supports the development of AI agents capable of handling white-collar tasks independently, amid competition from companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. A Meta spokesperson stated in an email to Fortune that models need real examples of computer use, including mouse movements, button clicks, and menu navigation.

The spokesperson added that the data would not be used for other purposes and that measures are in place to protect sensitive content.

This move occurs as companies seek training data for workplace AI applications. In January, OpenAI was reported to have requested third-party contractors, through training data firm Handshake AI, to submit samples of real work products like PowerPoints and spreadsheets, with instructions to remove confidential material.

Meta acquired a 49% stake in data-labeling firm Scale AI last year for more than $14 billion. Scale AI's former CEO, Alexandr Wang, now leads Meta Superintelligence Labs. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has committed up to $135 billion in capital expenditures for 2026.

The company is also preparing to reduce its workforce by as much as 20%, with initial layoffs scheduled to start in May.