Content Moderators Seek Massive Compensation for Severe Mental Health Trauma
A groundbreaking legal battle is unfolding as 185 content moderators file a Sh25.9 billion class action lawsuit alleging severe psychological damage from reviewing graphic online content.
The content moderators have revealed the devastating mental health consequences of their work, describing daily exposure to extreme graphic material including terrorism, child sexual abuse, murders, and violent content.
Medical experts have confirmed the profound psychological impact, with a senior psychiatric specialist documenting widespread mental health disorders among the workers. Symptoms include insomnia, hallucinations, depression, paranoia, panic attacks, and persistent nightmares.
Seeking justice, the moderators are demanding substantial compensation – Sh50 million per person for mental distress, an additional Sh20 million for alleged unfair labor practices, and Sh10 million in aggravated damages.
The workers, predominantly young individuals from marginalized backgrounds, report being required to review graphic content for up to 10 consecutive hours daily. Many were inexperienced and unprepared for the traumatic nature of their work.
Key allegations include:
– Forced exposure to extremely violent and sexual content
– Inadequate psychological support
– Inappropriate living arrangements
– Potential human trafficking and forced labor
The case, set to be heard on February 26, represents a significant challenge to current content moderation practices and highlights the urgent need for better worker protection in digital environments.
