Violence and hatred: content moderators filter bad content on social media platforms. One of them reported in the Bundestag that the working conditions are also difficult. Now he can no longer come to work.
“You can’t see them in the dark”: Cengiz Haksöz begins with a quote from Bertolt Brecht when he reported on his job as a so-called content moderator in the Bundestag last week. The Digital Committee had invited him to discuss the often questionable employment conditions of these digital workers.
Haksöz is one of those who are in the dark, i.e. whose work happens invisibly to the general public. He scours the platform of a well-known social media group for problematic content. “The hardest thing is that you see bad things over and over again – beheadings, for example, or the abuse of children,” he said in an interview with the ARD Capital Studio shortly before his appointment in the digital committee. Colleagues are partly severely traumatized, two are being treated psychiatrically in the hospital.
Cengiz Haksös shortly before his appointment in the digital committee of the Bundestag in conversation with the ARD capital studio
Badly paid job
Haksöz is one of around 5000 content moderators working in Germany. Many report high work pressure and insufficient psychological support, but only a few dare to comment publicly. In addition, the work is often poorly paid – many earn little more than minimum wage despite the difficult task.
The network companies usually outsource work and responsibility. Haksöz is therefore not employed by the large social media provider for which he filters content, but by Telus International, a provider of digital services. Telus International is a Canadian company but also has a location in Essen where Haksöz works. He hasn’t been able to come to work since Tuesday.
He broke working agreements with the company, says Marilyn Tyfting, a member of the Telus International board of directors when asked ARD Capital Studios. An internal investigation is currently being carried out: “The allegations recently made by our team member in the Bundestag and in the media do not correctly reflect the reality of our business.” In addition, it does not accurately describe how the company cares about the health and well-being of its employees. As long as the investigation is ongoing, Haksöz is free and not allowed to enter the company.
Ver.di suspects connection with works council election
The chair of the digital committee, Tabea Rößner, is dismayed. “A questioning before the highest constitutional body must not entail any disadvantages for people who report abuses,” says the Green politician.
Julia Kloiber, who supports Haksöz and other content moderators with her NGO Superrr Lab who advocate for better working conditions, speaks of a “culture of secrecy” and “attempts at intimidation”.
The measures against Haksöz are “not only illegal, but also a disregard for democracy,” explains Christoph Schmitz, board member of the ver.di trade union, which accompanied Haksöz in the Bundestag last week. Ver.di wants to take legal action against Telus International: “We are demanding the withdrawal of the exemption and the right of access to the company and will also sue if necessary.”
Haksöz is currently still being paid – but from ver.di’s point of view, the fact that he is not allowed to enter the company also hinders the works council election, which is to take place for the first time at this location at the beginning of July and which Haksöz organizes. Ver.di suspects a connection with the house ban. Telus International denies this.