In a stark illustration of the vulnerabilities faced by tech workers in the Global South, over 1,000 employees of the Kenyan outsourcing firm Sama have been dismissed following the termination of its contract with Meta. This decision, announced on Thursday, comes in the wake of serious allegations concerning the exposure of workers to inappropriate content while engaged in data annotation for Meta’s AI initiatives.
Contract Termination and Its Aftermath
Sama, based in Nairobi, was responsible for content moderation and AI training for Meta. However, last month, the partnership faced scrutiny after reports emerged that some Kenyan employees were compelled to view private footage captured by Meta’s AI-driven smart glasses, which included sensitive scenarios such as users in restrooms or engaging in intimate activities. In light of these allegations, Meta suspended its contract with Sama, prompting the outsourcing company to lay off its workers with just six days’ notice.
The Oversight Lab, an advocacy group focused on equitable technological practices in Africa, is currently advising the displaced workers on potential legal avenues. These developments underscore the precarious nature of employment in the tech sector, particularly for those in lower-income regions.
Worker Welfare Concerns
The abrupt layoffs have raised alarm bells among activists who advocate for fair labour practices. Following a previous round of significant job cuts at Sama, a civil lawsuit was filed in 2024, alleging that 140 workers experienced severe psychological distress, including PTSD and anxiety, due to the traumatic nature of the online content they were mandated to review.
In response to the recent layoffs, a representative from Meta stated, “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.” Meanwhile, Sama has expressed regret over the layoffs, asserting its commitment to supporting the affected employees and maintaining that it offers competitive wages and comprehensive benefits.
A Broader Industry Issue
The layoffs at Sama reveal a troubling trend within the global AI landscape. Kauna Malgwi, a former Sama employee, articulated the broader implications of this situation: “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.”
This sentiment is echoed by the Oversight Lab, which described the situation as “devastating” and indicative of a failing system that harms young professionals and stymies economic growth in Kenya. The organisation called for a reconsideration of the current strategies that perpetuate these inequities in the AI sector.
Why it Matters
The mass layoffs at Sama serve as a critical reminder of the inherent risks faced by workers in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. As major firms like Meta wield significant influence over the labour conditions of outsourced workers, the need for stricter regulations and more equitable practices becomes increasingly urgent. This incident not only highlights the vulnerabilities of workers in emerging economies but also raises fundamental questions about the ethical responsibilities of tech giants in shaping the future of work in the digital age.