From apps to rights: ILO moves to secure fair work in the digital economy.

In a landmark move expected to reshape the future of work, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the world’s first international convention specifically aimed at protecting millions of workers in the rapidly expanding digital platform economy.

The Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026 was formally adopted during the closing session of the 114th International Labour Conference held in Geneva.
Delegates representing governments, employers and workers from the ILO’s 187 member states gathered to address pressing labour issues, culminating in the adoption of the historic agreement.
The convention establishes the first international labour standard designed specifically for workers who earn a living through digital platforms, including ride-hailing, delivery, freelance and other app-based services. It applies to platform workers irrespective of their employment status, creating a global framework aimed at promoting fair and decent work across the sector.
According to the ILO, while the platform economy has opened up new opportunities for employment and income generation worldwide, it has also exposed workers to challenges such as low and unstable earnings, inadequate social protection and limited workplace rights.
Under the new convention, platform workers will benefit from stronger protections covering key areas such as fundamental labour rights, fair remuneration, social protection, occupational safety, and safeguards against violence and harassment.
One of the convention’s most significant provisions focuses on transparency and accountability in the use of algorithms and automated decision-making systems, which increasingly influence how platform workers are recruited, assigned tasks, assessed and paid.
Labour advocates have welcomed the convention as a major breakthrough for workers in the digital age, stressing that technological innovation should be accompanied by measures that prevent worker exploitation.
The agreement comes amid growing global discussions over the employment status and rights of platform workers, many of whom have long expressed concerns over unpredictable income, lack of benefits and opaque algorithm-driven management systems.
By establishing a common international benchmark, the ILO hopes to encourage member states to strengthen national laws and policies governing platform work while ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with the principles of decent work.
The adoption of the convention marks a significant milestone in global labour governance, reflecting a growing consensus that the digital economy requires modern regulatory frameworks capable of protecting workers’ rights while supporting innovation and sustainable economic growth.