Fortifying the Algorithmic Management Provisions in the Proposed Platform Work Directive
The European Commission proposed a Directive on Platform Work in 2021 that aims to address the issue of misclassification of the employed as self-employed and to regulate algorithmic management on platforms. The provisions in the proposal are well-drafted but may face resistance and lobbying during the legislative process and in implementation and enforcement. Tensions, potential misinterpretations, and perversions that should be addressed include the need for improved transparency in the use of algorithms, the establishment of standards for human review of algorithmic decisions, the challenges of representation and organizing in complex platform contexts, the creation of effective communication channels for digital workers, and the accountable monitoring and evaluation of the impact on workers while limiting data collection. The authors encourage legislators and regulators to strengthen these provisions in the negotiation and enforcement of the Directive.