African tech workers are calling on President Biden to intervene in what they describe as "modern day slavery" by US tech companies. In an open letter, 97 workers from Kenya and other African nations allege that companies like Meta, OpenAI, and Scale AI are exploiting them through low wages and traumatic work conditions. These workers, who are responsible for tasks such as AI training and content moderation, report earning less than $2 per hour while being exposed to disturbing content for extended periods, often resulting in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The letter highlights the systemic abuse faced by these workers, who are tasked with reviewing graphic content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, as well as labeling data for AI development. The African Content Moderators Union, the first of its kind on the continent, has been at the forefront of this movement, advocating for fair wages and humane working conditions. Despite their efforts, companies have continued to engage in practices that the workers argue are exploitative and illegal.
The workers' plea to President Biden comes at a critical time, as Kenyan President William Ruto visits the US. They urge Biden to ensure that US tech companies comply with local labor laws and engage ethically with overseas workers. The letter also calls for these companies to be held accountable in US courts for their human rights and labor violations abroad. This demand for justice underscores the need for a global standard in tech labor practices, ensuring that the benefits of AI do not come at the cost of human dignity.
