In a groundbreaking decision poised to redefine the future of work, the International Labour Organization (ILO) has adopted the world’s first international convention dedicated to protecting millions of workers engaged in the rapidly growing digital platform economy.
The Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026 was formally approved during the closing session of the 114th International Labour Conference in Geneva.
Representatives of governments, employers, and workers from the ILO’s 187 member states convened to deliberate on pressing global labour challenges, culminating in this landmark agreement.
The convention establishes the first international labour standard specifically designed for workers who earn income through digital platforms such as ride-hailing, delivery, freelance and other app-based services.
It applies to platform workers regardless of their employment status, creating a global framework to promote fair and decent work across the sector.
The ILO said the platform economy has generated new opportunities for employment and income generation around the world, but has also exposed workers to significant challenges, including low and unstable earnings, inadequate social protection and limited workplace rights.
Under the new convention, platform workers will be entitled to stronger protections covering a wide range of issues, including fundamental labour rights, fair remuneration, social protection, occupational safety, and protection against violence and harassment.
A major feature of the agreement is its focus on transparency and accountability in the use of algorithms and automated decision-making systems, which increasingly determine how platform workers are hired, assigned tasks, evaluated and compensated.
Labour advocates hailed the adoption of the convention as a historic breakthrough for workers in the digital age, arguing that technological innovation must be matched by safeguards that protect workers from exploitation.
The convention comes amid growing global debate over the employment status and rights of platform workers, many of whom have long complained about unpredictable income, lack of benefits and opaque management systems controlled by algorithms.
By setting a unified international benchmark, the ILO aims to inspire member states to strengthen national legislation and policies governing platform work, while ensuring that technological progress remains aligned with the principles of decent work.
The adoption of this convention represents a pivotal achievement in global labour governance. It underscores the growing consensus that the digital economy requires modern regulatory frameworks to safeguard workers’ rights, while simultaneously fostering innovation and sustainable economic growth.
