Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, is facing legal action in Ghana. Content moderators in Accra claim their work exposes them to violent and disturbing material. This includes videos of torture, murder, and child abuse.
Many moderators report suffering from depression, anxiety, and insomnia. One person even attempted suicide. His employer allegedly terminated his contract after the incident.
These moderators work for Majorel, a company contracted by Meta. A UK nonprofit, Foxglove, and a Ghanaian firm, Agency Seven Seven, are preparing lawsuits. One will address psychological harm. The other will focus on unfair dismissal.
In 2023, a similar case emerged in Kenya. There, over 140 Facebook moderators working for Samasource were diagnosed with PTSD.
Workers in Ghana say their basic salary is just GHS 1,300/month (about £64). Bonuses raise this amount, but it remains below Accra’s cost of living. Some claim the company deducts pay when they miss performance targets.
Moderators also accuse the company of poor mental health support and constant surveillance. Managers allegedly follow workers into restrooms and share personal information from counselling sessions.
Teleperformance, which owns Majorel, denies the claims. It says it provides strong pay, secure housing, and licensed mental health support. Meta also insists its contracts require above-average compensation and counselling.
Foxglove calls for urgent reforms. It wants the court to demand proper mental health care and protection for these workers. “Meta is treating people like machines,” said Martha Dark, Foxglove’s co-director. “It must stop.”
