Big Tech faces global push as social content moderators unionize

It's a job few people think about. Hours spent reviewing child abuse imagery, violent videos

and hate speech just to keep the internet safe. And now the content moderators behind

this critical but invisible work are pushing back against big tech. When you report a violent or offensive post on social media, it doesn't just vanish. A team of

mostly contracted moderators review that content, deciding if it violates the platform's rules

And in a lot of cases, those contractors are based in other countries. The Global Trade Union

Alliance of Content Moderators launched in Kenya this week, announcing plans to hold big tech

responsible for working conditions. One sociologist who has studied content moderation says

there are surely some content moderators that haven't suffered mental health problems connected

to the job, but I haven't met them. I have no doubt that content moderation, like coal mining

is a hazardous job. The union says workers face several problems, including post-traumatic stress

disorder, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. According to a former meta moderator based in

Portland per Tech Edition quote we had to look at horrific videos beheadings abuse torture It damages you but it doesn stop there We also stuck with short contracts constant pressure to meet targets and being constantly watched

These content moderators are calling for better mental health services, more job stability, and fair treatment. The global union includes workers from Kenya

Turkey, the Philippines, and more. While the U.S. was not a part of this initial launch

organizers expect American moderators to support. Artificial intelligence is helping, but it still relies on human moderators to train. Some companies are currently experiencing legal

trouble because of the subject. In February, The Guardian reported on a class action lawsuit in

Kenya where 185 moderators sued Metta alleging trauma, low pay, and rushed work conditions

Metta declined to comment, but said it's working on technical solutions like blurring graphic

images to reduce exposure. Some could argue that unionizing could slow down moderation efficiency

something tech companies depend on to keep platforms running smoothly and safely. So far

none of the biggest tech firms have publicly responded to the union's demands. With Straight

Arrow News, I'm Kennedy Felton. Download our app or visit san.com for more