Meta, the parent company of Facebook, and its local agents are facing a class action lawsuit in Kenya seeking Sh25.9 billion in compensation.
The case involves 185 former Facebook content moderators who allege severe mental health challenges and unfair labour practices stemming from their work.
In documents filed at the Employment and Labour Relations Court, the moderators claim exposure to graphic content, including terrorism, child abuse, and gruesome murders, caused lasting psychological harm.
Psychiatrist Dr Ian Kanyanya, who examined 140 of the petitioners, stated that many still showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) a year after leaving their roles.
“That in my professional opinion, many of them were still in a precarious emotional state despite having stopped Facebook content moderation about a whole year before the examination took place,” he said.
The moderators, employed by Samasource Kenya EPZ Ltd under a Meta contract, described working eight to ten hours daily reviewing explicit and violent content. Dr Kanyanya noted that many were young and naive, often recruited from marginalised areas, and unprepared for such distressing material.
The petitioners allege they were subjected to forced labour and modern slavery, seeking Sh20 million each for these claims. They are also pursuing Sh50 million each for mental distress and Sh10 million each for alleged discrimination.
Additionally, migrant workers involved in the case allege human trafficking, claiming they were brought to Kenya on business visas instead of work permits and housed in inappropriate dormitory arrangements.
Meta had previously challenged the Kenyan court’s jurisdiction over the case, arguing it was not based in Kenya. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed Meta’s objection, allowing the case to proceed.
The moderators contend their work was vital to protecting communities from harmful content but argue they were exploited and inadequately supported.
Their petition includes claims that their dismissals last year were unlawful, despite a court order blocking the terminations.
The case is scheduled to be heard by Justice Nduma Nderi on February 26, 2025.
