The ongoing battle for the rights of social media content moderators has intensified as a class action lawsuit worth Sh25.9 billion has been filed against Meta, the parent company of Facebook, alongside its local affiliates. This significant legal challenge, emerging from the Employment and Labour Relations Court, highlights the mental health struggles faced by 185 content moderators exposed to extreme graphic content daily, including terrorism, child abuse, and murder.
New affidavits reveal that these moderators are suffering from severe mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) as a direct result of their work. An examination by a senior psychiatrist indicated that even after ceasing their roles, many moderators remain in a precarious emotional state.
Justice Nduma Nderi is set to hear the case on February 26. The plaintiffs are seeking Sh50 million each as compensation for mental distress and an additional Sh20 million each for alleged forced labor and modern slavery claims. Furthermore, they seek Sh10 million each in aggravated damages, alleging discrimination during their employment.
The petitioners also highlighted a significant disparity in wages compared to their international counterparts, exacerbating their grievances. Dr. Ian Kanyanya’s affidavit detailed the harrowing nature of their responsibilities, which involved reviewing graphic content, often for up to ten hours a day.
Many moderators exhibited signs of severe psychological distress, including insomnia and anxiety, often relaying their traumatic experiences during the review sessions. Despite understanding the importance of their role in keeping communities safe from harmful content, the toll on their mental health has become untenable.
The lawsuit further alleges that some of the moderators are former migrant workers brought into Kenya under questionable circumstances, experiencing undue pressure related to their employment conditions. They claim to have been housed in inadequate living situations that violated their personal and cultural beliefs.
The overarching demands of the petition include Sh140 million each for damages and a declaration of human trafficking for forced labor stemming from the manner in which they were recruited. The petitioners also seek legal action against all parties involved, insisting on accountability and justice.
As the case develops, it shines a light on the urgent need for better protections and mental health support for those laboring behind the scenes in content moderation—a vital but often neglected industry.
