Meta has announced plans to monitor employees’ keystrokes and mouse activity on company systems as part of efforts to train its artificial intelligence (AI) models, sparking internal concerns over privacy and job security.

‎The social media giant, which owns Facebook and Instagram, informed staff on Tuesday that a new internal tool will log how they interact with workplace software. The collected data will be used to improve AI systems designed to assist with everyday computer-based tasks.

‎A spokesperson for Meta said the move is necessary to develop more effective AI tools. “If we’re building agents to help people complete everyday tasks using computers, our models need real examples of how people actually use them,” the company told the BBC, adding that safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information.

‎However, some employees have reacted negatively. One staff member, speaking anonymously, described the initiative as “very dystopian,” particularly amid expectations of further job cuts. Another former employee criticised the approach as an aggressive push toward AI adoption.

‎The tracking system, internally known as the Model Capability Initiative (MCI), was first reported by Reuters. While Meta has previously had access to employee activity on company devices, using such data explicitly for AI training marks a new step.

‎The development comes as CEO Mark Zuckerberg intensifies the company’s focus on artificial intelligence. He has pledged to significantly increase investment in AI, with Meta expected to spend about $140 billion on the technology in 2026—nearly double its previous investment.

‎Meta has already made major moves in the sector, including a $14 billion investment in Scale AI and the launch of its new AI model, Muse Spark, through its Meta Superintelligence Labs division.

‎In January, Zuckerberg predicted that 2026 would mark a turning point for AI in the workplace, stating that projects once requiring large teams could soon be handled by a single skilled individual.

‎The announcement also follows workforce reductions earlier this year, with around 2,000 employees laid off in smaller rounds.

A partial hiring freeze introduced last month appears to have expanded, with job listings dropping sharply—from about 800 roles in March to just a handful currently advertised.

‎Meta declined to comment on future hiring plans or potential layoffs.

‎For Nigeria’s growing tech ecosystem and digital workforce, Meta’s move highlights a broader global trend: increasing integration of AI into workplace operations.

While such tools could boost productivity and innovation, they also raise concerns about data privacy, employee surveillance, and job displacement—issues that may become more relevant for Nigerian companies adopting similar technologies.