Meta’s co-accused Sama to retain BCorp status – TechCrunch

Meta’s main subcontractor for content moderation in Africa, Sama, will retain its BCorp certification until the case against it in Kenya, over claims of union busting and exploitation, is determined. Daniel Motaung, an ex-content moderator from East Africa, filed the referenced case.

The corporate responsibility group, B Lab, told TechCrunch that the decision to uphold Sama’s certification was made after its standards management team concluded an initial review of allegations against the company, as captured in a Time magazine article, and the subsequent similar complaints received through its grievance process.

BCorp is a stamp that approves companies that have met high standards in transparency, performance, and accountability. This status takes into consideration several factors, including employee welfare and the work process. The status is arguably one of the reasons Sama says it’s an ethical AI company.

“In cases where legal or regulatory action is possible, B Lab does not pursue independent concurrent investigations. Our complaints process recognizes the vigor of the legal processes and relies on the outcomes of those judgments,” B Lab said.

“After the outcome of the lawsuit is available, further action against Sama may also be taken in the form of a formal investigation with a decision on eligibility by B Lab’s Standards Advisory Council. This may also require an onsite visit by B Lab to Sama offices in East Africa and interviews with content moderation employees,” it said.

The B Lab saidIt is delaying certifying new companies that use content moderators. However, it added that it will include new risk standards companies using content moderators must meet in order to be considered for the status.

These new standards will include transparency in recruitment, access to wellness programmes, and accountability of the company to monitor the employees’ health.

Case files say Sama carried out a “deceptive recruitment process” by opening up vacancies that failed to mention the nature of the job that successful applicants would do at its hub in Nairobi. Moderators come from several countries, including Somalia and Uganda.

According to court records, Motaung, who was laid off for organizing a 2019 strike, and trying to unionize the subcontractor’s employees, saidHis job exposed him to graphic material, which has had a lasting impact on his mental health.

The moderators review all social media posts on Facebook to find hate, misinformation, or violence.

Motuang wants financial compensation for him and other former or existing moderators. Sama and Meta are also asked to stop union busting and provide support for mental health, among other demands.

Meta is asking for the case to be dropped. He noted that moderators had signed an agreement prohibiting them from issuing evidence against it.