France Presses Teleperformance to Fix Data Worker Risks

A coalition of French and international civil society organizations has formally requested that Teleperformance SE substantially revise its corporate vigilance plan. According to the group, the current framework fails to adequately protect the fundamental rights of employees involved in AI data annotation and content moderation, particularly those working in Kenya.

The notice, issued under French duty of vigilance laws, highlights specific concerns regarding labor conditions, immigration status, and social security contributions. If the company does not provide a satisfactory response, the organizations have indicated they may proceed with legal action before the Paris Judicial Court.

Alleged Failures in Corporate Oversight

The CGT-FAPT union, the Data Labelers Association, and The Oversight Lab argue that Teleperformance’s 2026 vigilance plan does not sufficiently address the risks within its value chain. According to the signatories, the plan lacks adequate mechanisms to identify and prevent serious threats to worker health and safety. They specifically point to alleged irregularities in immigration permits for migrant workers and delays in remitting social security contributions deducted from wages.

Furthermore, the organizations cite inadequate grievance channels and excessively demanding working conditions for content moderators as key areas of concern. Several workers reportedly stated that their contracts were not renewed after participating in collective initiatives, a practice the groups describe as a violation of fundamental rights. This perspective is reported by GN geopolitics/rights (en-US) in their coverage of the formal notice.

Legal Leverage Under French Law

French duty of vigilance legislation places specific obligations on large companies to monitor human rights and environmental risks across their operations and supply chains. The formal notice asserts that Teleperformance SE, as the parent company of the TP Group, has not met these obligations. The organizations are using this legal framework to compel the multinational to implement more robust protective measures for its global workforce.

By issuing this formal notice, the groups are creating a documented record of their demand for compliance. This step is often a prerequisite for bringing proceedings before French courts. The strategy relies on the legal requirement for companies to demonstrate that they have taken reasonable measures to prevent violations, shifting the burden of proof onto the corporation if disputes arise.

Implications for Global Data Labor

The situation highlights the growing scrutiny of the data annotation and content moderation industries, which are increasingly dependent on labor in lower-income regions. As artificial intelligence systems expand, the human labor behind these technologies is becoming a focal point for human rights advocates. The outcome of this dispute could set a precedent for how multinational companies must manage labor rights in their digital supply chains.

Stakeholders will be watching for Teleperformance’s response to the notice in the coming weeks. A revised plan that addresses the specific allegations regarding immigration status, social security, and contract renewals would signal a significant shift in corporate accountability. Conversely, a lack of substantive change may lead to protracted legal proceedings, potentially affecting the company’s operations and reputation in key markets.