According to the British “Guardian,” several delivery riders sent a plea to the delivery platform, asking for transparency regarding the AI algorithms they use (the so-called “black boxes”). The riders claimed that these algorithms were opaque in calculating delivery tasks, resulting in a significant reduction in their actual income. They hoped the platform would explain the algorithm logic and adjust relevant mechanisms to improve the riders’ compensation.
Gig economy workers whose income has declined due to algorithmic factors are calling on food delivery platforms to make public the AI “black box” that determines their job opportunities and salaries. A group of food delivery riders in Edinburgh say that as the three leading platforms in the UK and Ireland – Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat – increase automation, their pay rates have decreased and working conditions have worsened. They are seeking academic help to understand how this system works.