Simon & Schuster Employees Opposed AI Tracking

Staff members signed a letter protesting the potential use of AI workflow-monitoring software at the publishing house.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Human Resources

Isometric editorial illustration showing a stack of books bound with red tape on a lobby floor, representing publishing industry corporate policy. — Simon & Schuster employees have protested the potential use of AI workflow-monitoring software, citing concerns over corporate surveillance and privacy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Simon & Schuster employees have launched an open letter to protest the potential implementation of Skan AI software for monitoring workplace activities. While staff expressed concerns regarding privacy and performance tracking, leadership has denied any intention to adopt the technology.

Why it matters

The pushback highlights growing tensions between employees and management over the integration of artificial intelligence in corporate environments. Workers fear that automated tools designed for efficiency could be used to surveil personal performance, sparking a demand for transparency in the workplace.

The petition aims to gather 250 signatures from the company's 1,500 total employees to oppose the use of Skan AI software. This tool is designed to scan workflows for system inefficiencies rather than individual tracking.

The players

Simon & Schuster

This major American publishing house was acquired by the investment firm KKR in 2023.

Greg Greeley

He was appointed as the CEO of Simon & Schuster in March 2026.

KKR

This global investment firm manages a diverse portfolio of companies after purchasing Simon & Schuster in 2023.

The details

Employees initiated the letter to voice opposition against Skan AI, which uses software to analyze workflows and identify administrative bottlenecks. Company leadership clarified that current AI explorations are strictly focused on automating manual tasks, such as status reporting, rather than performance surveillance.

KKR purchased Simon & Schuster in 2023.
Greg Greeley was appointed CEO of the company in March 2026.
CEO Greg Greeley issued a memo to staff regarding AI software on October 6, 2026.

Market Landscape

This internal conflict mirrors debates surrounding the EU AI Act's prohibitions on workplace surveillance, which seek to define the ethical boundaries of monitoring tools. The situation marks a broader shift in the publishing industry as firms weigh administrative automation against worker privacy concerns.

Employees at companies exploring AI integration may face increased uncertainty regarding how digital tools impact their daily privacy. If management pursues such technology, staff members will likely continue to organize to ensure software is used for administrative support rather than oversight.

The takeaway

Transparency remains the primary factor in maintaining morale during corporate digital transformation. Open communication between leadership and staff is essential to ensure that efficiency-focused tools do not inadvertently undermine employee trust.