Over 20 percent of content moderators hired by Meta for Facebook and Instagram have taken sick leave due to psychological trauma, with workers suing the company over the distressing content they are exposed to, according to reports.

The moderators, working for CCC Barcelona Digital Services, are demanding better working conditions.

Lawyers representing some of the workers claim the exposure to disturbing content, including videos of murders, rapes, and live suicides, has caused mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

The moderators argue that they are shown entire videos, even if the reasons for censorship become apparent within seconds.

Meta claims it takes the support of content reviewers seriously and requires all companies it works with to provide 24/7 on-site support.

However, some of the workers still continue to undergo psychological treatment and are deeply affected by their experiences.