Crowdwork and global supply chains: Regulating digital piecework

Crowdwork is a relatively recent and dynamically evolving phenomenon that has yet to be effectively tackled by regulators. Many of the governance challenges it rises are not entirely new, however, but represent a continuation of those that have long existed in the global supply chain (GSC) context. This Chapter draws analogies between the power dynamics, labour rights deficits and governance gaps created by both business models. It critically reviews the growing body of regulations addressing crowdwork and GSCs, showing their promises but also salient gaps and weaknesses. The Chapter argues for a comprehensive legal accountability system mandating platforms to make their operations transparent and to prevent any risks of labour rights violation in their ecosystems. Drawing insights from the GSC's regulatory patterns, the analysis concludes that the best way forward would be a multi-level governance framework combining private and public law instruments.