Meta's Contract Termination Leads to Mass Layoffs in Kenya
More than 1,000 low-paid workers in Kenya have been abruptly sacked by an outsourcing company contracted by Meta, in a move that activists describe as shocking and exposing the precarious nature of tech jobs in the global south.
Contract Loss and Immediate Dismissals
Sama, a Nairobi-based firm to which Meta outsourced content moderation and AI training work, announced on Thursday that the workers were being laid off after Meta terminated the contract. The sacked employees, many involved in AI training, have been given just six days' notice, according to the Oversight Lab, an organization advocating for fair technology regulation across Africa.
Allegations of Privacy Breaches
Last month, reports emerged that some Kenyan workers involved in data annotation were asked to view content filmed using Meta's AI smart glasses, including private scenes such as wearers using the toilet or having sex. In response, Meta paused its work with Sama, citing concerns over standards.
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."
Impact on Workers and Legal Ramifications
The Oversight Lab called the layoffs devastating and shocking, noting that it is advising the affected workers on legal options. This incident follows a previous wave of mass layoffs at Sama in 2024, where a civil lawsuit alleged severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety among 140 workers due to exposure to horrific online content.
Kauna Malgwi, a former Sama worker, commented, "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."
Company Responses and Broader Context
Sama said in a statement that it recognizes the impact on its team and is supporting affected employees with care and respect, claiming to be a responsible corporate citizen offering living wages and full benefits. However, the Oversight Lab argued that such strategies harm Kenya's youth and economy without advancing its participation in the AI ecosystem.
This development comes amid broader scrutiny of tech giants, as last month a jury in Los Angeles found that Meta's Instagram and Google's YouTube had deliberately designed addictive products that harmed a young user.
