Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, is confronting legal challenges in Ghana as former content moderators file lawsuits alleging exposure to harmful material without adequate support. The plaintiffs, employed by a third-party contractor in Accra, claim that their work reviewing extreme content has led to severe mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.
This legal action highlights growing concerns about the psychological toll of content moderation, particularly in regions where labor protections may be less robust. The moderators allege that Meta failed to provide sufficient mental health resources and support systems to mitigate the impact of their work.
The case in Ghana adds to a series of global legal challenges faced by Meta regarding the working conditions of content moderators. It underscores the need for comprehensive policies that address the well-being of individuals tasked with filtering harmful content on social media platforms.
As the lawsuits proceed, they may set a precedent for how tech companies manage content moderation and employee welfare in Africa and beyond. The outcome could influence industry standards and regulatory approaches to digital labor practices.
