In a significant blow to the workforce in Kenya, more than 1,000 employees of Sama, an outsourcing firm contracted by Meta, have been unexpectedly dismissed. This move comes in the wake of Meta ending its contract with the company, which had been responsible for content moderation and AI training. Activists have condemned the decision, highlighting the vulnerability of tech jobs in developing regions.
The Context of the Layoffs
The decision to terminate the contract with Sama was made following reports that some workers were required to view highly sensitive and private content captured by Meta’s AI-enabled Ray-Ban smart glasses. Allegations emerged that employees were subjected to watching footage that included intimate moments, such as individuals using restrooms or engaging in sexual activities. This revelation has raised serious ethical questions about the responsibilities of tech giants regarding the treatment of subcontracted workers.
The layoffs were announced publicly by Sama on Thursday and came with a mere six days’ notice for the affected employees. The Oversight Lab, an organisation dedicated to advocating for fair technological practices in Africa, has stepped in to provide legal support to the sacked workers.
Previous Allegations of Workplace Trauma
This is not the first time Sama has faced scrutiny regarding its treatment of employees. In 2024, a civil lawsuit brought to light the severe psychological impact of working with disturbing online content, alleging that 140 workers suffered from conditions such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety as a result of their job duties. These past incidents underscore a troubling pattern within the tech industry, particularly concerning the outsourcing of sensitive work to regions with less regulatory oversight.
Following the recent allegations, Meta released a statement asserting that all user-generated content should be treated as private. The company noted, “Photos and videos are private to users. 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.”
Reactions from the Affected Workforce
Sama has expressed regret over the layoffs, stating, “We recognise the impact this has on our team and are supporting affected employees with care and respect.” The company emphasised its commitment to being a responsible corporate citizen, claiming that its employees receive living wages, full benefits, and access to comprehensive wellness resources, including on-site counselling.
However, former Sama employee Kauna Malgwi has spoken out about the broader implications of the layoffs, 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.”
The Bigger Picture
The fallout from this situation extends beyond just the immediate job losses. The tech industry’s reliance on outsourcing for sensitive content moderation tasks raises questions about ethical labour practices and the responsibility of companies to protect their workers, especially in developing countries.
While Meta and Sama navigate the fallout from this incident, the broader implications for the global tech landscape remain dire. The precariousness of these jobs reflects a systemic issue within the industry, where profit margins often take precedence over worker welfare.
Why it Matters
The abrupt dismissal of over 1,000 workers in Kenya serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of employment in the tech sector, particularly in regions with limited labour protections. This incident not only highlights the ethical challenges posed by outsourcing sensitive work but also underscores the urgent need for robust labour regulations that protect the most vulnerable workers in the global economy. As tech giants continue to expand their reach, the repercussions of their business decisions will resonate far beyond corporate boardrooms, affecting lives and communities around the world.