Meta Engineers Label AI Division a 'Gulag,' Threaten Rebellion

Meta’s newly formed AI division, established just three months ago, has become a source of deep dissatisfaction among employees. The team of 6,500 engineers and product managers was transferred without opt-out options—effectively forced into the role. Many describe themselves as 'conscripts,' comparing working conditions to a 'gulag.' The primary task involves generating data and tasks for AI model training, which most employees view as meaningless and demotivating.

Tensions escalated after an incident during an internal broadcast, where an unidentified employee interrupted a presentation with a profanity-laced tirade directed at a Meta executive. This outburst reflected the pent-up frustration within the team. Earlier in April, employees were notified of their transfers to the new division via unexpected emails, further fueling discontent. Internal documents confirm that Meta’s AI models still cannot outperform humans in technical tasks like programming.

Meta leadership defends the forced transfers as necessary to leverage more skilled internal talent over external contractors. In a closed address, CEO Mark Zuckerberg admitted the recent changes caused 'suffering' among employees and promised corrective action. However, over 1,600 employees have already signed a petition opposing the company’s employee activity monitoring program, used to gather data for AI model training.

The situation is exacerbated by ongoing mass layoffs and Meta’s aggressive AI development strategy. The AI division is led by Maher Saba, former vice president of Reality Labs, reporting to Meta’s CTO Andrew Bosworth. The team’s original structure, with up to 50 employees per manager, has also drawn criticism.