Study reveals widespread digital surveillance of online activities in Europe.

Three quarters of workers on online platforms are subject to constant time tracking, and almost half work under comprehensive digital control systems. This is shown by a study conducted by Eurofound and the European Labour Authority (ELA) on the prevalence of algorithmic management practices in Europe. According to the author of the study, platform work is increasingly seen as a test case for the use of algorithmic control and monitoring systems – even in traditional employment relationships. The findings also underscore the importance of appropriate regulations on the use of algorithmic control systems in the directive on improving working conditions in platform work.

Digital platform work

The survey examines workers who provide professional services remotely in the digital sector via online work platforms. One of the key features of their working conditions – from software developers and online teachers to microtask workers – is the use of algorithmic management systems that platforms use to coordinate and control work processes.

Algorithmic management

Algorithmic management refers to the use of software algorithms to automate management functions that were traditionally performed by humans. On online platforms, algorithms control essential organisational control mechanisms and thus have a decisive influence on how work is performed.

They automatically assign projects – based on skills and availability, for example – set deadlines and, in some cases, specify the order and execution of the work. They also monitor and evaluate the performance of platform workers, usually via reputation systems such as customer reviews or performance indicators. Some platforms supplement these evaluations with automated activity monitoring, for example by recording working hours, keystrokes, screen activity or communication patterns. In addition, the algorithms ensure compliance with regulations through performance-related sanctions. These range from restricting access to job opportunities or better-paid assignments to automatically deactivating employee accounts.

Algorithmic control shapes activities on online platforms

According to the study, there are hardly any differences in algorithmic control based on gender or level of education. However, there are significant differences in terms of age: platform workers between the ages of 50 and 65 are significantly less likely to be subject to surveillance measures in all three control mechanisms. For example, 68 per cent of older platform workers are subject to time tracking, compared to 80 per cent of 18- to 34-year-olds. Screen monitoring affects 38 per cent of older platform workers, compared to 57 per cent of younger workers. Communication monitoring is also more common among younger workers: 72 per cent say their communications are monitored, compared to 52 per cent of older workers.

Directive to improve working conditions in platform work

The author of the study emphasises that the results empirically underpin the importance of the directive. It established binding rules for algorithmic management and the use of artificial intelligence in the workplace for the first time.

Digital work platforms are therefore obliged to explain how their automated systems and decision-making processes work. Platform workers also have the right to human review and to appeal against automated decisions affecting their accounts, remuneration or working conditions.

In addition, digital labour platforms must assess the impact of automated monitoring and decision-making systems on working conditions, health and safety, and fundamental rights. The new regulations also enhance transparency: information on how algorithms function and influence decisions must be made available to workers and their representatives – regardless of employment status.

The directive must be transposed into national law by 2 December 2026 at the latest.