Digital labour platforms

The emergence of the gig or platform economy is one of the most important new transformations in the world of work. An important component of the platform economy is digital labour platforms which includes both web-based platforms, where work is outsourced through an open call to a geographically dispersed crowd ("crowdwork"), and location-based applications (apps) which allocate work to individuals in a specific geographical area, typically to perform local, service-oriented tasks such as driving, running errands or cleaning houses.

Since 2015, the ILO has been studying digital labour platforms with a view to understanding the implications of this new form of work organization on workers and employment in general.
  1. World Employment and Social Outlook 2021

    The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work

    Digital labour platforms have increased five-fold worldwide in the last decade. The ILO’s latest World Employment and Social Outlook 2021 report underlines the need for international policy dialogue and regulatory cooperation in order to provide decent work opportunities and foster sustainable businesses.