Meta Faces Lawsuit Alleging AI Tools Targeted Workers on Leave

August 31, 2026 at 12:08 AM2 min

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Meta is facing a lawsuit filed in July alleging the company used AI-assisted tools to target employees with disabilities or those on medical leave for layoffs. A Meta representative said the claims lack merit and that workforce decisions are made by people, not AI. The case involves employees in California and New York, states with strong employment laws.

Key Facts

The lawsuit was filed in July and alleges Meta used AI-powered software to lay off employees who took medical leave or cared for family members.
Meta stated that workforce management and organizational decisions were made by people, not AI.
California-based workplace trauma lawyer Michele Simon said one client was laid off from Meta while on pregnancy leave.
Senior labor and employment counsel Justin O'Keith Higgs said he has worked on reductions in force where he specifically called out people on leave or accommodations to ensure fair metrics.

Lawsuit Allegations

The lawsuit claims Meta used AI-assisted tools to target employees with disabilities or those who took medical leave. According to the filing, Meta allegedly used AI-powered software to lay off employees who took time off for medical conditions or to care for family members. The case involves employees in California and New York, states with strong employment laws.

Meta Response

A Meta representative stated that the claims lack merit and are not based on facts. The representative said workforce management and organizational decisions were and are made by people, not AI.

Legal Expert Views

California-based workplace trauma lawyer Michele Simon said one client was laid off from Meta while on pregnancy leave. Simon noted that if Meta used unfair criteria resulting in disproportionate selection of employees on leave or with disabilities, it could be a viable case depending on state laws. Senior labor and employment counsel Justin O'Keith Higgs said he has worked on reductions in force where he specifically called out people on leave or accommodations to ensure selection metrics were fair. Higgs added that leadership in large tech companies often makes rash decisions with tight deadlines, which can lead to missed checks.