Facebook has agreed to pay the content moderators $ 52 million as compensation for the mental health problems their tasks can cause. This was announced on Tuesday by two law firms representing plaintiffs.
They criticize the global social network for not properly protecting its employees (direct or via subcontractors) responsible for removing content that breaks the rules of the platform.
The original complaint was filed in a California court in September 2018, on behalf of Selena Scola, a former moderator who claimed to have developed post-traumatic stress disorder after 9 months of regularly watching violent images.
“Every day Facebook users post millions of images or live videos of child sexual abuse, rape, torture, bestiality, beheadings, suicides and murders,” said the complaint. .
“To maintain a sanitized platform, maximize its already substantial profits and take care of its public image, Facebook relies on people like Ms. Scola – the ‘content moderators’ – to view these posts and remove all those contrary to its rules”.
Psychological support
According to the agreement signed with the American group, more than 11,000 Facebook moderators in the United States, past and present, will receive at least $ 1,000 each.
Those who have been diagnosed with specific disorders will receive additional sums to cover their medical costs (up to $ 50,000).
“We are grateful to the people who are doing this important work to make Facebook a safe environment for everyone,” Facebook reacted, without acknowledging the allegations in the complaint. “We are committed to providing them with the additional support under this agreement and more in the future.”
The agreement provides that Facebook and its subcontractors provide moderators with psychological support sessions with sworn therapists and better tools to improve their working conditions.
“We are very pleased that Facebook has worked with us to create this unprecedented program to help those who accomplished unimaginable tasks just a few years ago,” said Steve Williams of Joseph Saveri.
ats, dpa
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