Food Delivery Riders Demand Platforms Reveal How AI Sets Their Pay
Gig workers in Edinburgh say algorithmic changes at Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat have lowered wages and worsened conditions, and are working with academics to understand the systems.
A group of food delivery riders in Edinburgh is calling on gig economy platforms to disclose how algorithms determine job offers and pay, according to a report by The Guardian. The riders say increased use of artificial intelligence by companies including Deliveroo, Uber Eats and Just Eat has coincided with falling rates of pay and deteriorating working conditions.
The three companies are described in the report as the dominant food delivery platforms operating in the UK and Ireland. According to the riders cited by The Guardian, changes to the automated systems that assign deliveries and set compensation have made it harder to understand how earnings are calculated.
The workers are being assisted by academics who are attempting to examine how the algorithmic systems function, the report said. The riders are seeking greater transparency from the platforms regarding what The Guardian described as a computer-driven "black box" that governs job allocation and pay rates.
The Guardian's report did not include direct responses from Deliveroo, Uber Eats or Just Eat regarding the riders' claims.
Sources
- Food delivery riders call on platforms to open up AI ‘black box’ they say has cut pay — The Guardian — Business
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Related articles
Bessent, China's He Lifeng Set for Talks on AI, Trade and Critical Minerals
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, trade and critical minerals, Reuters reported.
Anthropic, Google, OpenAI and xAI Named in Lawsuit Alleging Effort to Slow AI Development
A law firm says it is representing plaintiffs in a legal action against several major artificial intelligence companies, according to a report by Russian news agency TASS.
Guardian Column Urges US-China Cooperation on AI Amid Warnings Over Pace of Development
Australian scientist Alan Finkel argues that unregulated competition between AI firms and between Washington and Beijing could threaten global stability, calling for coordinated oversight.
Trump Says US Will Create an ‘AI Force’ Modeled on Space Force
The US president did not specify whether the initiative would involve establishing a new branch of the armed forces, according to TASS.
Texas QB Arch Manning Apologizes Over Reaction to AI Video
Manning called his comment "insensitive" after reacting to an AI-generated video showing coach Steve Sarkisian appearing to slap ESPN reporter Holly Rowe.
China Pushes Back on US Warnings to Slow AI Development, Guardian Reports
Beijing officials and businesses argue calls for caution are designed to preserve America's technological lead, according to a Guardian report
Comments
Loading comments…