Signal AI Already Runs the Gig Economy — Human Rights Watch

Summary

Human Rights Watch argues that AI control of gig work is present reality rather than future prospect, with algorithms at platforms such as Uber and DoorDash setting pay, assigning tasks, evaluating performance and terminating workers. Uber operates in roughly 70 countries and ranked 9th on Fortune's 2025 list of fastest-growing public companies, with earnings per share up 445% over three years through 2025; DoorDash operates in 30 countries and reported 38% global revenue growth in the fourth quarter of 2025. The report, authored by senior advisor Lena Simet and senior researcher Anna Bacciarelli, describes gig conditions as "low and unstable pay, dangerous conditions, and no sick leave, unemployment insurance, or retirement benefits." It cites the case of Apraham Orfalian, a 74-year-old Uber driver in Beirut since 2015, who lost income with no company support after a passenger held a knife to his throat and stole his car in October 2024. The report situates its findings against the ILO's June 1-12, 2026 Geneva negotiations toward the first binding global standard for platform work.