David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The following questions are for Ms Crider. I understand a case was settled in the United States for $52 million Was that case heard in court, with a court adjudication or was it settled outside of court? I understand that during those proceedings Facebook acknowledged that damage was being caused to the workers. I am not sure whether the workers were directly employed by Facebook or outsourced. I am interested to hear more about that case. I know we do not have the type of class action in Ireland that was mentioned earlier, but I am interested in hearing more on the situation internationally. Are any of the content moderators directly employed by Facebook?

The following question is for Ms Plunkett. Is there a screening process for the job of content moderator? It appears to me that not everybody would be suitable for this type of work. As mentioned by Deputy Bruton, it is dangerous work and it damages people. We need to be honest about that. There should be some level of screening to ensure that a person is suitable for the type of work involved. Does that happen and what training is provided? Was Ms Plunkett told that the work could be damaging? Is it possible that people are being asked to sign a disclaimer with respect to the damage that the work could cause? Is it likely that people know it could cause them to suffer post-traumatic stress order, but they choose to do it anyway?

I agree that this work is part of the critical infrastructure. As stated by other members, Facebook and others cannot operate without the work of content moderators. It is important work. Is there ongoing research in this area?