Facebook has agreed to pay US$52 million to moderators as compensation for the mental health issues they developed while working.
A lawsuit filed by moderators in California in 2018 alleged that the social media company failed to properly protect its content moderators who viewed “disturbing, graphic and objectionable” images and videos on the platform.
The workers alleged they were denied protection against severe psychological and other injuries which can result from repeated exposure to graphic content such as child sexual abuse, beheadings, terrorism, animal cruetly and more.
The payments will be made to 10,000 former and current employees, with each worker receiving a minimum of US$1,000, as well as payments for treatment for those who have been diagnosed with specific conditions as a result of their work.
"We are so pleased that Facebook worked with us to create an unprecedented program to help people performing work that was unimaginable even a few years ago,” says Steve Williams, a lawyer for the plaintiffs.
“The harm that can be suffered from this work is real and severe. This settlement will provide meaningful relief, and I am so proud to have been part of it."
Facebook has agreed to provide US-based content moderators with a safer work environment, including providing more counselling for workers. It will also enhance review tools designed to make content moderators' work safer.
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