Meta Faces Lawsuits in Ghana Over Content Moderator Welfare

Social media giant Meta is facing legal challenges in Ghana concerning the working conditions and psychological impact on content moderators, The Guardian reported. Workers employed by a third-party contractor in Accra allege severe mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, stemming from exposure to graphic and disturbing online content as part of their job.

The legal action is being prepared following investigations into the facility where moderators review content for Meta’s platforms. Claims detail a challenging work environment, insufficient mental health support provided by the company, and concerns regarding pay and living conditions. Some allegations include inadequate wages below the estimated cost of living and deductions based on performance.

This development mirrors previous legal action initiated by content moderators in Kenya against another contractor working for Meta, highlighting a pattern of concerns regarding the welfare of outsourced content moderation teams in Africa.

Those preparing the lawsuits argue that current legal frameworks need to evolve to protect workers from psychological harms in addition to physical injury, potentially setting a precedent in the region. They are investigating claims of psychological distress and unfair dismissal.

In response, the contracting company disputes the allegations, asserting that it provides competitive pay significantly above the local minimum wage, comprehensive benefits, and robust mental health support staffed by licensed professionals. They maintain transparency about the nature of the work from the outset and emphasize their commitment to employee wellbeing and support systems. Meta states its contractors are contractually obligated to meet industry standards for pay and support for content reviewers.