Chaturbate Moderator Files PTSD Lawsuit
A former content moderator for the live-streaming adult website Chaturbate, Neal Barber, has filed a lawsuit claiming that his job led to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The legal action, initiated last week, is being heard in the US District Court for the Central District of California.
Allegations of Inadequate Workplace Protections
Barber alleges that Chaturbate and its operators failed to provide necessary mental health safeguards that are common for employees in similar positions across the industry. He points out the absence of critical support mechanisms like content filters, wellness breaks, trauma-informed counseling, and peer support systems.
The Role of a Chaturbate Moderator
Within Chaturbate, Barber held the position of "customer service risk supervisor," where he was responsible for moderating live-streamed sexually explicit content. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of moderators in ensuring the platform adheres to legal standards and in preventing the distribution of illegal or harmful material. Moderators serve as the platform’s first defense against child exploitation, violent content, and other unacceptable activities.
Exposure to Disturbing Content
The lawsuit details the distressing nature of the content Barber had to monitor, which included images of sexual abuse, extreme violence, and non-consensual acts. It argues that the severe emotional impact of such content was both foreseeable and preventable.
Claims of Negligence
The legal team representing Barber argues that Chaturbate’s failure to implement adequate mental health measures represents a conscious disregard for the essential duties required by law and public policy, which mandate providing a safe and healthy work environment.
Implications of the Lawsuit
The case highlights the broader issue of the psychological effects on those employed to moderate explicit and potentially harmful online content, underlining the necessity for proper mental health protections in the workplace.
