At the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, the International Labour Organization 

formally adopted the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, also known as Convention Number 

193. Passing with an overwhelming majority, this landmark agreement represents the first-ever legally binding 

international treaty designed to establish global labor standards for digital platform and gig workers.

The treaty addresses systemic gaps in protections for individuals whose livelihoods are managed through 

digital applications. Under the new standards, core protections covering occupational safety, social security,

and basic labor rights must apply to all platform workers, regardless of whether domestic laws classify them 

as independent contractors or employees. Furthermore, for those recognized in a formal employment 

relationship, the convention mandates compliance with minimum wage requirements and the reimbursement 

of work-related expenses.

In a global first for a binding international treaty, the convention also directly regulates algorithmic management.

It requires digital platforms to ensure transparency regarding how their automated systems monitor and 

evaluate work. Crucially, platform companies must provide written explanations and establish robust 

human-review mechanisms for critical decisions such as account suspension, deactivation, or payment 

disputes.

As an industry association, we are closely monitoring these global policy developments. While the practical 

impact of the convention depends on its subsequent ratification and implementation into domestic laws by 

individual member states, this agreement establishes a powerful new benchmark for the future of digital work. 

We will continue to track its legislative progress worldwide to provide our members with timely insights and 

guidance.