Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is facing legal action in Ghana from former content moderators who allege psychological harm due to exposure to disturbing material on the platform.These lawsuits highlight concerns about the mental health risks associated with content moderation work in low-income countries.
Psychological Toll on Moderators
Former moderators employed by Majorel in Accra, a contractor for Meta owned by Teleperformance, have reported severe mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance abuse.These conditions are attributed to daily exposure to graphic content such as beheadings, child abuse, and suicide.One moderator, Solomon, described his experience as overwhelming, stating he didn't eat or sleep due to the distressing material he encountered.Another moderator, Abel, echoed these sentiments, criticizing the lack of adequate support and the punitive response to expressing emotional struggles.
Allegations of Inadequate Support and Unfair Dismissal
The lawsuits, supported by UK nonprofit Foxglove and Ghanaian firm Agency Seven Seven, include claims of psychological damage and unfair dismissal.One case involves an East African moderator who attempted suicide and was subsequently terminated after declining a lower-paid transfer.Critics argue that the mental health support provided was insufficient, with some alleging that the services felt more like surveillance than genuine care.
Comparison with Previous Cases in Africa
This legal action in Ghana follows a similar case in Kenya, where over 140 former Facebook moderators were diagnosed with severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety.The moderators reported working eight- to ten-hour days reviewing explicit content without adequate preparation or support.The Kenyan case has been described as shedding light on the human cost of social media use and the need for improved labor practices in content moderation.
Meta's Response and Industry Implications
In response to these lawsuits, Meta has stated that it requires its partners to provide industry-leading pay, benefits, and support.However, critics argue that the reliance on outsourced moderation in low-income countries leads to exploitation and inadequate care for workers.The cases in Ghana and Kenya underscore the need for the tech industry to reassess its content moderation practices and prioritize the well-being of its workers.
Conclusion
The lawsuits filed in Ghana against Meta highlight the psychological risks faced by content moderators exposed to extreme content.These cases, along with similar actions in Kenya, call for urgent reforms in the tech industry's approach to content moderation, emphasizing the need for adequate mental health support and fair labor practices.
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