Our History

The Data Labelers Association (DLA) grew out of research on AI-related harms conducted by Berhan Taye. The research brought attention to the experiences of young data workers, many of whom held university degrees or diplomas but had limited information about their labour rights and legal protections. It revealed that working conditions often accepted as normal could involve serious concerns, including a lack of formal contracts, insecure employment, exposure to disturbing content, long and unpredictable hours, unfair pay, unpaid project training, limited opportunities to build transferable skills, intimidation, union-busting, classism, and a lack of recognition.

The findings resonated with seven data workers who had each lost their accounts after more than five years in the industry. They shared the experience of losing their livelihoods and feeling professionally stuck: despite their education and specialist experience, the skills they had developed did not always translate easily into other fields. At first, they focused on finding supportive institutions that could help data workers access reskilling and upskilling opportunities.

In November 2023, the group returned to Berhan Taye for guidance. She encouraged them to speak openly about the full range of challenges facing data workers and to raise awareness of a workforce that was often overlooked. With advice from allies, the group came to understand that their efforts needed to extend beyond training opportunities to include advocacy, worker organizing, and better public recognition of data labelers’ contributions.