Twenty-six people say an algorithm decided their careers were over before a single manager did. The former Meta Platforms employees filed a federal lawsuit in Oakland, California, late on 13 July 2026, alleging the company used a network of internal artificial intelligence tools to score, rank and select staff for mass layoffs, and that the system disproportionately swept up workers with disabilities or those who had taken medical or family leave.
The plaintiffs are seeking a preliminary injunction to halt the layoffs, which were due to take effect on 22 July, while their underlying claims proceed through private arbitration. Meta has denied the allegations outright.
