Global Content Moderation: The Content Divide

Context

Your content moderators, your lowest-paid workers, have harsh conditions. Your current vendor provides low-cost services, maximizing profits. Offering better wages increases costs.

Dilemma

Do you:
A) Continue with the current vendor, prioritizing cost efficiency, or
B) Offer better wages and conditions, potentially impacting profitability?

Summary

In Nairobi, Sama, an "ethical AI" company, employs nearly 200 Africans to moderate Facebook content, viewing graphic violence and abuse. Despite Sama's claims of "dignified digital work" and lifting people out of poverty, these workers are among Facebook's lowest-paid globally, earning as little as $1.50 per hour. Employees report mental trauma, intimidation, and suppressed unionization efforts. Facebook, which monitors Sama's operations, faces accusations of exploitation. Content moderators are leaving in large numbers due to poor pay and conditions, impacting Facebook's ability to police content, particularly in conflict zones like Ethiopia.

Resources:

• https://time.com/6147458/facebook-africa-content-moderation-employee-treatment/