Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces a renewed legal challenge in Africa regarding the treatment of content moderators in Ghana. A group of moderators employed by Majorel in Accra has filed a lawsuit claiming that exposure to graphic and violent content has led to severe psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Many of these workers have reported experiencing harsh working conditions and insufficient mental health support.
This lawsuit follows a similar case in Kenya, where moderators hired by Samasource were diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder due to their jobs. The Ghanaian case is being spearheaded by a British organisation working alongside a local firm that alleges Meta and its contractors have ignored the safety and well-being of their moderators.
In response to the allegations, Meta and Majorel’s parent company have denied any wrongdoing, emphasising that they provide competitive salaries and mental health resources for their employees. As the legal proceedings unfold, it highlights ongoing concerns about worker welfare in the content moderation industry, particularly given the emotional toll of the job.