“[exclusive] labour ministry finds delivery app algorithms may increase risk of industrial accidents”, 6 April 2026

A government-commissioned study has, for the first time, found that delivery app algorithms — such as those offering bonuses for meeting quotas within a fixed time — may place pressure on riders and contribute to increased risks of industrial accidents.

According to the findings, app-based systems including “time-limited missions”, which reward riders for completing a set number of deliveries within a specified period; “tiered missions”, which offer higher ratings or additional pay for meeting daily, weekly or monthly targets; and “penalty policies”, which restrict future job allocations when riders reject calls or cancel assignments, were found to structurally heighten accident risks.

… The study also found that such algorithms can induce risky behaviours, including traffic signal violations and speeding, and are linked to an increase in so-called “near-miss” incidents — situations that come close to resulting in actual accidents.

… The report further analysed how these perceived pressures translate into real-world risk-taking. It found a statistically significant positive correlation between performance pressure — particularly the risk of financial loss if targets are not met — and increased engagement in unsafe behaviours.