Using AI to manage gig workers might violate their rights.

Few employment laws around the world adequately reflect the realities of the gig economy and its reliance on algorithmic management. This form of labor is often precarious and temporary, with few benefits and little support. Further, the workers don't have access to their own data or the possibility to influence or verify how the algorithm works in managing them, while the pandemic exposes them to increased risks and surveillance. An Italian court ruling found that Deliveroo's algorithmic management of its gig workers violated Italian labor law by punishing workers for exercising their labor rights, such as staying home when sick. In the 2020 election, California voters rejected workers' bid to be considered legal employees of platforms like Lyft and Uber, leaving them in a precarious contractor status.