Swipe, Tap, Exploit: The Dark Side of India’s Gig Economy

The gig economy in India has rapidly transformed the way we work and consume. Tech platforms have created a vast network of services, from food delivery to home repairs, promising flexibility and earning opportunities. For many consumers, it’s as simple as tapping an app and receiving quick, efficient service. But behind this convenience lies a deeper, often overlooked story — one of struggle, uncertainty, and resilience.

Take Ramesh, a food delivery rider in Bengaluru. Every day, he zips through traffic on his two-wheeler, braving rain, heat, and congested roads to deliver meals on time. He starts early and finishes late, hoping to hit enough deliveries to earn his daily target. Yet, after deducting fuel costs, maintenance, and mobile data charges, he often takes home less than the minimum wage. There are no sick days, no health benefits, and no safety net if something goes wrong. If he speaks up about unfair treatment, there’s the looming threat of deactivation — a digital dismissal without notice, without appeal.

The rise of the gig economy, driven by apps like Zomato, Swiggy, and Urban Company, has indeed created a massive workforce. But it has also exposed a complex web of exploitation. By classifying workers as “independent contractors,” companies avoid offering the protections and benefits granted to regular employees. This allows them to lower operational costs, while the burden is quietly shifted to the workers, who must navigate unstable incomes and mounting personal expenses on their own.

Job security remains a major concern. Many gig workers live in constant fear that a single bad rating or customer complaint could end their livelihoods. The lack of clarity around how algorithms work, or how decisions are made about assignments and penalties, adds another layer of anxiety. The absence of human interaction in such decisions — automated messages, vague reasons for account suspensions — further dehumanises workers who already feel invisible.

Women in the gig economy often face additional challenges. Many are drawn to platforms like Urban Company for the flexibility it offers, especially as they juggle household responsibilities. But they too encounter low pay, unsafe working environments, and a lack of protections. Some have shared stories of being harassed by clients or being forced to accept last-minute jobs out of fear of losing future work.

Despite these hardships, gig workers are not passive. Across cities, they are beginning to unite, form unions, and protest against unfair policies. They are raising their voices for basic rights like fair wages, grievance redressal systems, health insurance, and protections against arbitrary terminations. These movements reflect a growing awareness that dignity at work should not be sacrificed for digital efficiency.

The gig economy is not inherently flawed. In fact, it holds immense potential to provide economic opportunities, especially in a country like India, where traditional jobs are scarce. But its promise will remain hollow if it continues to function without regulation or empathy. True flexibility cannot come at the cost of basic rights. The government must act urgently to design inclusive labor laws that reflect the changing nature of work. These should include minimum wage protections, social security coverage, transparent algorithms, and accessible dispute resolution systems.

Consumers, too, play a role. Behind every meal delivered or home cleaned is a person trying to make ends meet. By choosing to support platforms that treat workers ethically and by pushing for transparency, users can help reshape the ecosystem into one that respects the people at its heart.

The gig economy has the potential to create economic opportunities and improve livelihoods. However, it is essential to ensure that these benefits are shared equitably and that workers are not exploited in the process. By addressing the challenges faced by gig economy workers, India can create a more inclusive and sustainable model of economic growth.