Meta, parent company of Facebook, is being sued in Kenya for Sh25.9 billion by 185 former content moderators claiming severe mental health issues and unfair labor practices. They allege exposure to graphic content caused lasting harm. The lawsuit claims infringements such as forced labor and human trafficking. The case will be heard on February 26, 2025, amidst discussions of corporate accountability and worker protection.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, along with its local agents, is facing a class action lawsuit in Kenya demanding Sh25.9 billion in compensation from 185 former content moderators. These individuals allege that their work, which involved the review of graphic content including terrorism and child abuse, has resulted in significant mental health issues and unfair labor practices. The case has been brought before the Employment and Labour Relations Court, where the moderators claim that their exposure to distressing material has caused lasting psychological harm.
Dr. Ian Kanyanya, a psychiatrist who assessed 140 petitioners, reported that many individuals exhibited symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) more than a year after leaving their positions. He expressed concern for their emotional states, stating, “That in my professional opinion, many of them were still in a precarious emotional state despite having stopped Facebook content moderation about a whole year before the examination took place.”
These moderators, who were employed through Samasource Kenya EPZ Ltd under a contract with Meta, described working long hours reviewing explicit and often violent content. Dr. Kanyanya noted that many were young and inexperienced individuals recruited from marginalized communities, leaving them unprepared for the traumatic nature of their tasks. The claimants are alleging forced labor and modern slavery, with each seeking Sh20 million for these violations, alongside claims for mental distress and discrimination.
Furthermore, migrant workers involved in the lawsuit assert claims of human trafficking, citing irregularities in how they were brought to Kenya under business visas instead of proper work permits. Meta has contested the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court, but the Court of Appeal overruled this objection, allowing the proceedings to continue. The moderators maintain that their role was crucial in curbing harmful content but argue they were taken advantage of and not provided with sufficient support during their employment. Notably, they assert that their terminations last year were unlawful amidst a court order designed to protect their employment status. The case is slated to be heard by Justice Nduma Nderi on February 26, 2025.
The legal action initiated by former Facebook moderators in Kenya sheds light on the mental toll endured by content moderators who face exposure to distressing material while performing their duties. These moderators were engaged in content moderation under challenging conditions that have led to severe psychological consequences. The backdrop of the case highlights the intersection of labor rights, mental health issues, and corporate accountability, raising pressing questions regarding the treatment of skilled laborers in technology-driven environments, particularly in developing countries.
The class action lawsuit against Meta reflects a significant challenge facing technology companies concerning the mental health and labor rights of content moderators. As the case progresses, it underscores the dire consequences of exposure to harmful content and the need for better support structures for employees in similar roles. The upcoming hearing will be pivotal in determining the accountability of Meta for the alleged exploitation and mental distress of its employees.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
