In May 2026, Human Rights Watch released a report describing poor working conditions experienced by digital platform workers in the gig economy. The report argues digital platforms have shifted risks onto workers while also “limiting control over earnings and working conditions”.

The report includes allegations of poor working conditions by several digital platform workers, including riders for Uber in Lebanon and Nepali and Bangladeshi riders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia employed by unnamed platform firms. Abuses include unstable and unpredictable pay, low pay despite long working hours, and barriers to accessing remedy. The report argues the experiences of these riders reflect broader shifts in the global economy towards “precarious work without the protections afforded to employees”.

The report evidences how the use of algorithms to manage digital platform workers’ performance worsens working conditions, including through increased production targets, penalties for falling short, and limited routes to appeal. The report also describes opaque pricing and commission systems, the harmful impacts of a lack of social insurance for riders following accidents, and difficulties organizing.

The report goes on to explore increased scrutiny of the industry as global standards on platform work are negotiated by the International Labour Organization and as guardrails are set up by national governments across the world.

In May 2026, the Business & Human Rights Centre invited Uber to respond to the report. It did not respond.