Geneva, June 12, 2026 – Workers providing services through digital platforms around the world are set to benefit from stronger labour protections following the adoption of a landmark international convention by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The new framework, known as the Decent Work in the Platform Economy Convention, 2026, was approved on Friday at the conclusion of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.
The convention is the first global labour instrument specifically designed to regulate work carried out through digital platforms, including ride-hailing, delivery, freelance and other app-based services.
Digital platform workers are individuals who earn income through online applications and technology-driven platforms that connect service providers with customers, such as ride-hailing operators and delivery personnel.
According to the ILO, the convention was developed in response to the rapid expansion of the platform economy, which has created new employment opportunities while raising concerns about workers’ rights, job security and working conditions.
The organisation noted that the new standard applies to all platform workers and digital labour platforms, regardless of how workers are classified under national employment laws.
It stated that the convention provides a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring fair and decent working conditions across the sector.
Among the issues addressed are fundamental labour rights, protection from workplace violence and harassment, fair compensation, access to social protection schemes, and improved occupational health and safety measures.
The instrument also introduces provisions to regulate the use of algorithms and automated management systems by requiring greater transparency and accountability in digital workplace decisions.
The ILO described the adoption of the convention as a major milestone that reflects a shared commitment by governments, employers and workers to adapt labour standards to the realities of a rapidly changing world of work.
According to the organisation, the agreement seeks to strike a balance between technological innovation and the protection of workers by ensuring that digital transformation delivers benefits for both businesses and employees.
The labour body further stated that the convention would support member countries in strengthening legal protections for platform workers while encouraging sustainable growth within the digital economy.
Observers attending the conference have also hailed the development as one of the most important labour policy achievements in recent years, citing the increasing global reliance on gig and platform-based employment.
The conference, which ran from June 1 to June 12, brought together representatives of governments, employers’ groups and workers’ organisations from the ILO’s 187 member states to deliberate on key labour issues shaping the future of work.
The adoption of the convention is expected to serve as a reference point for countries seeking to modernise labour regulations and improve protections for millions of workers participating in the expanding digital economy.