Content moderators in Phoenix, Ariz. were reportedly asked to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDA) that prevented them from speaking out about working conditions including drug use and inappropriate sexual behaviour in the workplace, and PTSD-like symptoms from viewing graphic content. The workers were reportedly not eligible for any support from their employers. Facebook outsources content moderation to service providers like Cognizant, whose employees are paid significantly less than the average Facebook employee. In a blog post, Facebook said it requires partners to provide employees with good facilities, wellness breaks and support, and conducts regular site checks. (The Verge)

Talking point: Facebook is certainly not the only tech giant to face concerns around the working conditions of its’ third-party workers. Amazon uses third-party courier companies, and—as my colleague Catherine reported in December 2018— delivery workers are attempting to unionize in Toronto  to address alleged poor working conditions.