Meta forced thousands of engineers into AI training work. Now it's giving some a way out.

Meta has shifted its approach regarding the mandatory assignment of engineers to its AI training initiative, as revealed by an internal memo obtained by Business Insider and confirmed by several sources. Just weeks ago, the company reassigned approximately 7,000 employees to the Applied AI task force aimed at developing its upcoming AI models. In a recent communication to those affected, Meta announced that it would now allow employees to make their own choices about participating in the task force. The memo emphasized the importance of personal agency, stating, "We will support employees in whatever decisions they make." While the company expressed hope that all employees would choose to remain engaged in the task force, it acknowledged individual preferences. Furthermore, the memo indicated that those who continue with the task force would receive preferential placement in other areas of the company, addressing staffing shortages. This change comes after significant criticism from employees who likened the task force duties to basic data labeling. Last month, Meta also faced turmoil as it laid off 10% of its workforce, impacting around 8,000 individuals. The company has chosen not to comment on this latest development.