Digital labour platform

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.

Realizing decent work in the platform economy

Realizing decent work in the platform economy

Fifth item on the agenda of the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference (2025): standard-setting, first discussion

News and articles

Generative AI could transform millions of jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean but digital divide poses challenges
Male worker in front of a computer in Colombia

Generative AI could transform millions of jobs in Latin America and the Caribbean but digital divide poses challenges

Request for bids: Survey on working conditions and social protection coverage in the platform economy in the Philippines
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Informal economy

Request for bids: Survey on working conditions and social protection coverage in the platform economy in the Philippines

Publications

Decent work in the platform economy: law and practice update

Factsheet

Decent work in the platform economy: law and practice update

Digitalize your business

Entrepreneurs’ manual

Digitalize your business

Unveiled Visions: Decent work and social justice through my lens

Photo essays from Uganda

Unveiled Visions: Decent work and social justice through my lens

Featured

The role of digital labour platforms in transforming the world of work
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World Employment and Social Outlook 2021

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

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