Kenyan Facebook Moderators File Class Action Suit Against Meta for Mental Health Issues

Former Facebook moderators in Kenya are suing Meta for Sh25.9 billion, citing severe mental health issues and unfair labor practices stemming from their exposure to graphic content. A psychiatrist’s assessment indicated many still suffer from PTSD and major depressive disorder. Allegations also include forced labor and human trafficking. The case is scheduled for a hearing on February 26, 2025.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, along with its local partners, is currently facing a significant class action lawsuit in Kenya, amounting to Sh25.9 billion in claimed damages. This legal case involves 185 former content moderators who assert that their employment led to severe mental health issues and constituted unfair labor practices. The moderators contend that their exposure to graphic material, including instances of violence and child abuse, has resulted in lasting psychological trauma.

Content moderation is a crucial role within social media platforms, wherein moderators are responsible for reviewing and managing user-generated content to mitigate harmful or inappropriate materials. However, in this high-pressure environment, moderators are often exposed to distressing content that can have detrimental effects on their mental wellbeing. The current case highlights the challenges faced by content moderators in Kenya, many of whom hail from vulnerable backgrounds and are reportedly ill-prepared for the mental toll of their responsibilities.

The case filed by former Facebook moderators in Kenya underscores the critical need for adequate mental health support and fair labor practices within the social media industry. As the courtroom proceedings approach, the allegations of forced labor, human trafficking, and the psychological impact of content moderation may serve as a harbinger for broader reforms in workplace conditions for digital content reviewers.

Original Source: newscentral.africa