America must lead on the gig economy — or others will set the rules

The gig economy is one of the defining innovations of the 21st century. It has revolutionized how people earn a living, offering flexibility, independence, and opportunity on a global scale. From U.S.-built platforms that power software development and cybersecurity freelancing to ride-hailing, delivery, and home services, the gig economy has opened doors for tens of millions of workers at home and abroad.

For many people, gig work provides supplemental income or a chance to build a small business on their own terms. It’s not just about convenience — it’s a new engine of economic empowerment that taps into the entrepreneurial spirit.

But that engine is under threat.

The International Labour Organization has begun negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, on new global labor standards under the label of “platform work.”

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