In a stark reflection of the vulnerability faced by outsourced tech workers, over 1,000 individuals in Kenya have been abruptly dismissed from their roles at Sama, a content moderation firm, following Meta’s termination of their contract. This drastic move has prompted outrage among activists, who see it as a symptom of broader systemic issues affecting workers in the global south.
A Sudden Dismissal
The Nairobi-based company, which had been handling data annotation and AI training tasks for Meta, announced the layoffs on Thursday, revealing that employees were given a meagre six days’ notice. This wave of job losses comes in the wake of serious allegations that workers were asked to view deeply invasive content recorded by Meta’s AI-powered smart glasses, including footage of private moments such as bathroom breaks and sexual encounters.
The Oversight Lab, an organisation dedicated to advocating for ethical technological practices in Africa, reported that the dismissed workers are now seeking legal advice on their options. This incident underscores the precariousness of employment within the tech sector, particularly for those in low-wage positions where job security is often non-existent.
A History of Trauma
This latest round of layoffs is not the first time Sama has faced scrutiny over its treatment of workers. In 2024, a civil lawsuit filed by a group of employees revealed the severe psychological toll on content moderators, many of whom reported suffering from PTSD, depression, and anxiety due to the distressing material they were required to review.
These revelations have raised critical questions about the ethical implications of outsourcing content moderation and AI training to developing countries, where labour protections are often lax and the risk of exploitation is high.
Meta’s Justification
Following the termination of the contract, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, claimed that the decision was made because Sama failed to meet the company’s standards. In a statement, Meta asserted, “Photos and videos are private to users. Humans review AI content to improve product performance, for which we get clear user consent.”
Sama, in its response, acknowledged the impact of the layoffs on their team. The company described itself as a “responsible corporate citizen,” emphasising that their employees receive living wages, benefits, and access to wellness resources, including counselling support.
However, the assurances offered by Sama have done little to quell the backlash from advocacy groups. The Oversight Lab denounced the move as devastating, stating, “The time has come for us to recognise that our current strategies are harming our youth, hurting our economy, and in no way advance Kenya’s participation in the AI ecosystem.”
Voices from the Ground
Former Sama employee Kauna Malgwi lamented that the issues plaguing workers in the tech sector extend far beyond individual companies. “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,” she said.
As the tech industry continues to evolve and expand, the treatment of outsourced workers in regions like Africa remains a critical concern. The reliance on these workers to manage and curate content raises ethical questions about the responsibilities of large corporations to provide not only fair pay but also job security and mental health support.
Why it Matters
The recent layoff of over 1,000 workers in Kenya serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of job security in the global tech landscape. As the industry becomes increasingly reliant on outsourcing, the need for stronger protections and ethical practices for these vulnerable workers has never been more urgent. This incident not only highlights the dire conditions faced by those on the margins of the tech economy but also calls for a reassessment of how large corporations, like Meta, manage their responsibilities towards those they employ, regardless of geographical boundaries.