Sama, a Nairobi-based company that provided content moderation and AI training services to Meta, announced on Thursday that it would lay off over 1,000 low-paid workers following the end of its contract with Meta. The move has drawn criticism from activists who say it highlights the instability of tech jobs in the global south.

Meta Ends Contract After Allegations of Privacy Violations

Last month. Reports indicated that some Kenyan workers involved in data annotation were asked to view content filmed using Meta’s AI smart glasses, including scenes of individuals using the toilet or engaging in sexual activity. Meta paused its work with Sama after these allegations emerged, citing concerns about the privacy of users.

Meta stated in a statement that it had decided to end its work with Sama because the company did not meet its standards, and the tech giant said that photos and videos are private to users and that human review of AI content is conducted with user consent. However, the allegations raised questions about the ethical implications of the work being done by outsourced workers.

Previous Layoffs and Legal Action

This is not the first time Sama has faced mass layoffs. In 2024. A civil lawsuit alleged that 140 workers suffered from severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety after being exposed to horrific online content as content moderators for Meta. The lawsuit highlighted the psychological toll of the work, which often involves reviewing disturbing material.

Sama responded to the latest layoffs by saying it recognized the impact on its team and was supporting affected employees with care and respect. The company claimed to be a responsible corporate citizen, noting that its workers receive living wages, full benefits, and have access to wellness resources, medical benefits, and on-site counseling.

Activists Criticize the Impact on Kenya’s Economy

The Oversight Lab. Which advocates for fair regulation and deployment of technology across Africa, called the layoffs devastating and shocking. It said that the current strategies of global tech firms are harming Kenya’s youth and economy, and are not advancing the country’s participation in the AI ecosystem.

Kauna Malgwi. A former worker at Sama. Described the situation as a reflection of the broader power dynamics in the global AI industry. He said that large technology companies hold the power, while the risk is passed down to outsourced workers, particularly in the global south, who often have the least protection and highest exposure.

The issue has also been linked to recent legal actions against Meta and Google. Last month. A jury in Los Angeles found that Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube had deliberately designed addictive social media products that led to harm for a young user. This legal case further highlights concerns about the ethical practices of major tech companies.

The Oversight Lab is advising the laid-off workers on legal options and is pushing for stronger regulations to protect outsourced workers in the tech industry; Activists argue that the current structure of the global AI industry is unsustainable and places undue stress on workers in developing countries.

Sama’s sudden decision to lay off its workforce has sparked a broader conversation about the role of outsourcing in the tech sector and the need for greater accountability from major companies. As the global demand for AI and content moderation services continues to grow, the ethical and legal challenges faced by outsourced workers are likely to become even more pronounced.