An outsourcing company entrusted with the responsibility of moderating Facebook posts in East Africa has expressed regret over its decision to undertake the role, acknowledging that it was a misstep. Sama, the firm in question, has faced allegations from former employees based in Kenya who claim to have suffered emotional distress due to their exposure to distressing content.
Numerous ex-employees are currently initiating legal proceedings against Sama in Kenyan courts. The former workers have reported psychological trauma resulting from their encounters with graphic and disturbing posts during their tenure at the company. This has led to a series of legal actions to hold the company accountable.
Sama’s Chief Executive Officer, Wendy Gonzalez, has announced a significant shift in the company’s approach. She confirmed that Sama will no longer engage in projects related to moderating harmful content. This change reflects an awareness of the potential impact on the mental well-being of the employees involved.
Several former staff members have described their distress after being exposed to videos depicting beheadings, suicides, and other highly explicit content at the moderation hub. This facility was operated by Sama since 2019. Daniel Motaung, a former moderator, shared his experience with the BBC, recalling his first encounter with a gruesome video – “a live video of someone being beheaded.”
As a response to the claims, Mr. Motaung has initiated legal proceedings against both Sama and Meta, the parent company of Facebook. In response, Meta has emphasized its requirement for all partner companies to provide continuous support. Sama has countered the claims by asserting that certified wellness counselors were always available to provide assistance.
The evolving situation underscores the challenges faced by companies that engage in content moderation and the need for comprehensive support systems to safeguard the mental well-being of employees subjected to disturbing online material.
