Former Facebook moderators in Kenya have filed a class action lawsuit against Meta for Sh25.9 billion, citing mental health issues due to exposure to graphic content. The petitioners, assessed by psychiatrist Dr. Ian Kanyanya, reported conditions such as PTSD and major depressive disorder. They argue they faced exploitation through forced labor and discrimination, seeking further compensation for their mistreatment. The court has allowed the case to proceed despite Meta’s objections to jurisdiction.
Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, alongside its Kenyan agents, is currently facing a significant class action lawsuit in Kenya, amounting to Sh25.9 billion in claims. The lawsuit is filed by 185 former content moderators, who assert that their employment resulted in severe mental health issues and instances of unfair labor practices. The claimants assert that their exposure to disturbing content—ranging from terrorism and child abuse to horrific murders—has led to enduring psychological damage.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Ian Kanyanya, who conducted an evaluation of 140 petitioners, many individuals exhibited persistent symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) even one year after ceasing their roles as moderators. Dr. Kanyanya articulated his concerns, 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.”
The moderators, who were employed by the local firm Samasource Kenya EPZ Ltd under contract with Meta, described their working conditions as grueling, often facing eight to ten hours of reviewing explicit and violent material daily. Many of these moderators, described by Dr. Kanyanya as young and naive, were reportedly recruited from marginalized communities and were ill-prepared for the graphic nature of their work.
The plaintiffs assert claims of forced labor and modern slavery, each seeking Sh20 million for these allegations. Furthermore, they are pursuing an additional Sh50 million each for mental anguish and Sh10 million each for purported discrimination. Migrant workers participating in the case also allege human trafficking, stating they were brought to Kenya using business rather than work visas and were placed in unsuitable dormitory accommodations.
In earlier proceedings, Meta disputed the jurisdiction of the Kenyan court but was ultimately overruled by the Court of Appeal, which permitted the lawsuit to move forward. The moderators emphasize that, although their roles were essential in mitigating harmful content, they were subjected to exploitation and received insufficient support throughout their employment. They also claim that their dismissals last year were unlawful, despite a prior court directive that halted those terminations. This significant legal case is set to be reviewed by Justice Nduma Nderi on February 26, 2025.
The issue of mental health among content moderators has gained attention due to the psychological toll of reviewing disturbing material. Former Facebook moderators in Kenya have come forward to highlight their traumatic experiences and the lack of adequate support from their employer. Lawsuits like this one serve not only to seek compensation but also to draw attention to the need for better mental health safeguards for workers in such high-stress environments. The allegations of forced labor and human trafficking also highlight broader systemic issues in the employment practices of international companies operating in Kenya.
In conclusion, the class action lawsuit against Meta and its local partners represents a significant battle for the rights of content moderators who claim to have suffered severe mental health consequences due to their employment. The allegations of exploitation, forced labor, and inadequate support highlight critical issues that need addressing within the industry. As the case progresses toward its hearing date in February 2025, it underscores the importance of corporate accountability for the welfare of workers.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
