Overview

In the United States, Facebook agreed as part of a preliminary settlement filed in California’s San Mateo Superior Court to pay $52 million to existing and former content moderators as compensation for psychological suffering linked to the material they reviewed and the work targets imposed on them.

The affected moderators had worked in locations including California, Arizona, Texas and Florida since 2015. The proposed settlement covered approximately 11,250 Facebook content moderators.

Under the proposed agreement

  • Every moderator would receive a minimum payment of $1,000
  • Those diagnosed with PTSD or related conditions could receive additional compensation.
  • Some claimants could reportedly receive up to $50,000 depending on the severity of their injuries.

Facebook also reportedly agreed to provide additional counselling and mental health support for moderators in the future. For confidential guidance, affected individuals can contact Diane Treanor at Coleman Legal LLP or call 1800-844-104.

Irish legal actions involving former Facebook moderators

Coleman Legal LLP has represented a number of former Facebook content moderators in Ireland, including individuals employed through third-party outsourcing providers. Irish proceedings have raised allegations that moderators suffered serious psychological trauma due to repeated exposure to disturbing and graphic material without adequate safeguards or support systems.

Previous legal proceedings before the Irish High Court involved allegations that moderators were required to review highly violent and distressing content, including videos depicting killings, self-harm, sexual violence and abuse.

Coleman Legal has also been involved in legal actions concerning former moderators working across Europe, including cases connected to Barcelona, Germany and other jurisdictions.

Concerns raised regarding moderator wellbeing

Former moderators have alleged that they were not adequately informed about the nature and frequency of the material they would be required to review before commencing employment.

Claims have also raised concerns regarding

  • Exposure to repeated graphic and violent content
  • Alleged lack of psychological screening and support
  • Insufficient workplace protections
  • Long-term mental health injuries, including anxiety, nightmares and PTSD-related symptoms

Solicitor Diane Treanor of Coleman Legal previously stated that companies involved in content moderation must address failures to protect employees and ensure moderators have access to counsellors and healthcare professionals during and after their employment.

Support for affected content moderators in Ireland

If you worked as a content moderator and believe you may have suffered psychological trauma, anxiety, PTSD or other mental health difficulties linked to your work, it may be advisable to seek legal advice regarding your rights and potential supports available to you.