Over 140 Kenyan Facebook moderators have been diagnosed with severe PTSD, anxiety, and depression while working for Meta’s outsourcing partner, Samasource Kenya. The illnesses were caused by prolonged exposure to graphic content, including murders, suicides, and child abuse. The moderators worked for Meta from 2019 to 2023. During this period, they reviewed distressing posts in harsh conditions while earning significantly less than their US counterparts. The ordeal left 81% of them with severe PTSD symptoms, according to medical reports. The illnesses had a life-changing impact on the moderators, with some reporting substance misuse, marital breakdowns, and paranoia, fearing retaliation from terrorist groups whose content they monitored during their employment. To seek redress, the moderators have filed a lawsuit against Meta and Samasource, citing intentional mental harm, unfair practices, and modern slavery. Meta has declined to comment on the case, citing ongoing litigation.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN
