Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-01-26 05:00:00
The multinational social media company Meta has been unsuccessful in its attempt to avoid a lawsuit filed by former content moderator Daniel Motaung, who alleges that the company contributed to serious violations of their labor rights. Justice Jacob Gakeri has granted Mr. Motaung’s request to serve Meta with the court petition at the company’s physical addresses in the United States and Ireland, as well as via email.
Mr. Motaung and other content moderators were employed by Samasource Kenya (EPZ) Ltd, the first respondent in the lawsuit. Although Mr. Motaung is the sole plaintiff, the outcome of the case is expected to have a direct impact on over 180 content moderators hired by Samasource to moderate Facebook content.
Meta had contracted Samasource to assist in content moderation on its social media platform. In February of the previous year, Mr. Motaung sought permission from the court to serve Meta at its physical offices and through email. Meta opposed the application, arguing that involving them in the case using Kenyan laws would infringe upon the sovereignty of the US and Ireland because it is not registered or operating in Kenya.
However, the court ruled in favor of Mr. Motaung, stating that he has accused Meta of contributing to the violation of his labor rights, and only a hearing can determine the company’s culpability.
After being served with the court papers, Meta’s parent firms will have 21 days to respond. The case, which has experienced delays due to various applications, counter-applications, and unsuccessful attempts to settle out of court, has also involved several interested parties, including the Kenya National Human Rights and Equality Commission, the Attorney-General, and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection.
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