A class-action lawsuit against Meta in Kenya involves 185 former content moderators seeking Sh25.9 billion for mental health damages due to exposure to graphic content. Psychiatrists report many suffer from PTSD and MDD even after leaving their roles. Allegations of forced labor and inadequate support are central to the case, scheduled for court hearing on February 26, 2025.
Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, and its affiliated agents are currently defendants in a class-action lawsuit filed by 185 former content moderators in Kenya, demanding Sh25.9 billion in damages. The plaintiffs accuse the company of exposing them to severe psychological trauma due to their exposure to disturbing content, which included incidents of terrorism, child abuse, and brutal murders during their employment. Despite no longer working with Meta, many of the former moderators still exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Psychiatrist Dr. Ian Kanyanya, who conducted an assessment of 140 claimants, confirmed that these individuals remain in vulnerable emotional conditions a year after their last day on the job. These moderators were employed by Samasource Kenya EPZ Ltd under a contract with Meta. Most of them recounted working shifts lasting between eight to ten hours, consistently viewing explicit and violent material. Dr. Kanyaña highlighted that many were young and from disadvantaged backgrounds, which rendered them unprepared for the psychological toll of their tasks.
The lawsuit alleges instances of forced labor and modern slavery, with petitioners seeking compensation of Sh20 million each. Additionally, they are claiming Sh50 million each for mental anguish and a further Sh10 million per individual for allegations of discrimination. Some of the claimants who migrated to Kenya as part of this work arrangement have also voiced concerns regarding human trafficking, arguing they were brought under business visas instead of appropriate work permits and were subjected to inadequate housing conditions.
Initially, Meta contested the jurisdiction of the Kenyan courts, asserting that the company operates outside of Kenya; however, this objection was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, permitting the lawsuit to advance. The former moderators have articulated that their roles were vital in safeguarding online communities from harmful content, yet they feel exploited and insufficiently supported throughout their tenure. Their legal filing also asserts that their terminations last year were unlawful, despite a judicial order prohibiting such actions. This case is slated for hearing by Justice Nduma Nderi on February 26, 2025.
This case highlights the mental health challenges experienced by content moderators handling explicit and graphic content for social media platforms. There is growing concern regarding the psychological impact of this type of employment, particularly for young individuals from vulnerable backgrounds who may be unprepared for the emotional stress these roles entail. The lawsuit against Meta also raises important questions about labor practices and the protection of workers’ rights within the digital content moderation industry.
The lawsuit brought by former Facebook moderators underscores significant issues surrounding mental health and labor rights in the digital age. The claims of psychological harm due to exposure to graphic content reveal the need for better support and safeguards for those in such roles. As the case progresses through the legal system, it remains a critical point of discussion regarding corporate responsibility and the welfare of employees in high-stress environments.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
