In Geneva, the world’s first international standard regulating work performed through digital platforms has been adopted

“This is a truly historic event,” said Sukti Dasgupta, Director of the Department of Labor Conditions Quality at the ILO. “For the first time, three parties — employers, workers, and governments — have reached a consensus and adopted a Convention dedicated to the present and future of work.”

Platform economy is economic activity on digital platforms that act as intermediaries between suppliers and consumers. The platform does not produce the goods itself—it creates a place where those who offer and those who seek meet. For example, Uber connects drivers and passengers, Airbnb connects homeowners and travelers, and Amazon connects sellers and buyers. Such platforms use algorithms and digital infrastructure to quickly and effectively match supply and demand.

In recent years, the platform economy has radically changed the labor market, opening up new ways of earning for millions of people, but at the same time leaving many without basic guarantees and social protection. The convention covers all types of digital labor platforms and applies to workers regardless of how they are classified or their employment status. Essentially, it sets global rules of the game that should ensure decent working conditions in this rapidly growing sector.

“Throughout the discussion of the [Convention draft], we were aware that millions of digital platform workers were watching us. They were eagerly awaiting the results of these intense discussions,” said Gilbert Ungebo, Director-General of the International Labour Organization. “We could not and did not disappoint them. The ILO is still capable of shaping the present and future of work, paying special attention to the platform economy.”

The convention addresses issues that have long caused concern among platform workers: from protection against violence and harassment to fair pay and access to social protection. The document also pays special attention to the transparency of algorithms and automated decision-making systems — tools that increasingly determine who receives orders, how much they earn, and what risks they are exposed to.