Meta sued by 26 disabled workers alleging AI-powered software targeted them for layoffs

Published Jul 15, 12:32 PM UTC

A lawsuit filed in Oakland, California federal court accuses Meta Platforms of using AI-powered software to target employees with disabilities or those on medical leave for layoffs. The 26 anonymous plaintiffs from six states were notified in May that their jobs would be eliminated on July 22. They allege violations of federal and state antidiscrimination laws and seek a preliminary ruling to block the layoffs. Meta denies the claims, stating workforce decisions were made by people, not AI. Legal experts say this is likely the first major lawsuit challenging AI's role in termination decisions, warning employers that blindly trusting AI for employment decisions could lead to liability. The case follows a similar class-action lawsuit against Workday over AI screening software.