Meta Faces Class Action Lawsuit in Kenya Over Content Moderation…

Former Facebook content moderators in Kenya are suing Meta for Sh25.9 billion, claiming severe mental health issues due to exposure to graphic content while working. They allege forced labor and discrimination, with support from psychiatric assessments indicating a prevalence of PTSD and major depressive disorder. A court has dismissed Meta’s jurisdictional objections, and the case is set for a hearing on February 26, 2025.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is currently facing a class action lawsuit in Kenya, where former content moderators are seeking Sh25.9 billion in damages. This suit involves 185 moderators who assert that their exposure to disturbing and graphic materials such as terrorism and child abuse led to significant mental health issues and allegations of unfair labor practices. The case has been filed with the Employment and Labour Relations Court, highlighting serious claims of modern slavery and inadequate support provided to these workers following their employment with Samasource Kenya EPZ Ltd under a Meta contract.

Psychiatrist Dr. Ian Kanyanya examined 140 of the affected moderators and noted that many were suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) even a year after they had ceased moderation activities. He stated, “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.” This emphasizes the profound and lasting psychological impact that the moderators have endured due to their work.

The moderators reported working eight to ten hours a day reviewing explicit content, often without any preparation for the distressing nature of the materials presented to them. Furthermore, the lawsuit encompasses significant claims for forced labor, with the aim of securing Sh20 million each for such allegations, along with additional claims for mental distress amounting to Sh50 million each and Sh10 million each for alleged discrimination. Migrant workers within this group have also brought forth claims of human trafficking.

Meta previously sought to challenge the jurisdiction of the Kenyan courts, asserting that it was not based in the country. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed these objections, thereby allowing the lawsuit to progress. Additionally, the moderators argue that their dismissals last year were unlawful, as there was a previously issued court order preventing such terminations. This case is expected to be heard by Justice Nduma Nderi on February 26, 2025, and it raises critical concerns regarding the treatment and support of content moderators in the digital age.

The lawsuit against Meta in Kenya sheds light on the mental health ramifications faced by content moderators tasked with examining graphic material. These employees, often from underprivileged backgrounds, were reportedly inadequately prepared for the psychological toll of their duties. The claims of human trafficking and abuse of labor rights highlight broader issues in the tech industry concerning worker welfare and ethical practices. The implications of this case extend beyond financial reparations, potentially prompting a reevaluation of labor standards in content moderation globally.

The ongoing class action lawsuit against Meta by former Facebook moderators in Kenya underscores significant concerns regarding mental health and labor rights within the tech industry. The allegations of serious psychological harm due to exposure to graphic content, alongside claims of forced labor and modern slavery, call into question the ethical practices of major tech companies. The outcome of this case may not only affect the individuals involved but could also catalyze important reforms in the management and support of content moderators around the world.

Original Source: newscentral.africa