Meta is scaling back plans to track employees' computer activity after significant internal pushback. The company introduced the Model Capability Initiative (MCI) in April to log keystrokes and mouse clicks for AI training purposes, but workers quickly organized opposition.

Employees launched a petition that gathered over 1,500 signatures, calling the surveillance tool 'very dystopian.' Critics worried about privacy violations and additional job cuts as Meta pushes AI integration across its operations. The backlash reflects growing tension between AI development goals and employee trust.

Stephane Kasriel from Meta's Superintelligence Labs acknowledged concerns in an internal memo, citing issues with battery life and data consumption. Remote workers reported the tool caused significant internet usage spikes. New controls now let employees pause data collection for up to 30 minutes or request full exemptions.

Meta's retreat shows that employee resistance can force changes to aggressive AI data collection strategies. The compromise addresses immediate technical complaints while maintaining the core program, but trust damage may linger beyond the policy adjustments.