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More than 1,000 workers in Kenya have been unceremoniously dismissed by Sama, an outsourcing firm, following the termination of its contract with tech giant Meta. This drastic move has drawn attention to the precarious nature of employment in the technology sector, particularly within developing nations, where workers are often left vulnerable.
A Shocking Announcement
On Thursday, Sama revealed that it would be letting go of over a thousand employees involved in content moderation and artificial intelligence training. This decision follows Meta’s suspension of its partnership with the Nairobi-based company last month, amid serious allegations regarding the nature of the content being reviewed by its workers. Reports indicated that some employees were instructed to view private recordings captured by Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which included sensitive and explicit scenes.
The layoffs, which were communicated with a mere six days’ notice, have sparked outrage among activists and labour advocates. The Oversight Lab, an organisation focused on regulatory fairness in technology, stated that it is currently advising affected workers on potential legal actions against their sudden dismissal.
Unraveling the Contract
The fallout from Meta’s decision to halt its collaboration with Sama is significant, both for the affected workers and the broader implications it carries for the tech industry. Just last year, Sama faced a similar crisis when a civil lawsuit was filed, detailing the severe psychological impacts experienced by over 140 workers due to exposure to disturbing online content. Such issues raise pressing questions about the mental toll placed on content moderators, who often work under harrowing conditions.
In response to the allegations surrounding the invasive nature of content reviewed by its workers, Meta issued a statement asserting that user privacy is paramount. “Photos and videos are private to users,” the statement read. “Humans review AI content to improve product performance, for which we get clear user consent. We’ve also decided to end our work with Sama because they don’t meet our standards.” This statement, however, does little to alleviate the concerns raised by the workers and advocacy groups.
The Human Cost
Sama has attempted to frame its actions as those of a responsible employer, citing that it provides living wages, comprehensive medical benefits, and wellness resources for its employees. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story, as many of the dismissed workers now find themselves grappling with unemployment and financial uncertainty.
Kauna Malgwi, a former employee of Sama, expressed her dismay over the situation, stating, “This issue is not confined to one company or contract. It shows how the global AI industry is shaped. Power sits with large technology companies. Risk flows downward, affecting outsourced workers, often in the global south, who have the least protection and highest exposure.” Her sentiments echo the broader concerns regarding the exploitation of workers in the tech industry, particularly in regions with weaker labour protections.
The Bigger Picture
The layoffs in Kenya come at a time when the tech industry is under increased scrutiny regarding its ethical practices. A recent jury ruling in Los Angeles found that Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube were complicit in designing addictive products that ultimately harmed a young user. Such findings amplify the call for accountability within the tech sector, particularly as it pertains to the treatment of its workforce.
Why it Matters
This mass layoff is emblematic of the broader issues plaguing the tech industry, where the drive for profit often overshadows the human cost. As companies like Meta wield significant power, the precariousness of outsourced jobs in the global south highlights a troubling trend—one where the burden of risk is disproportionately borne by the most vulnerable workers. The situation in Kenya serves as a rallying cry for advocates calling for systemic reforms and fair treatment of workers in the rapidly evolving landscape of technology.
