The Hidden Algorithms of Gig Work: Who Really Profits from Uber and the Platform Economy? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 30, 2026 · 35 MIN

The Hidden Algorithms of Gig Work: Who Really Profits from Uber and the Platform Economy?

from Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast

435 Million Gig Workers, Secret Pricing Systems & The Global Fight for Transparency in the Digital EconomyThe World Bank estimates there are more than 435 million online gig workers worldwide, yet most have little visibility into the algorithms that determine what they earn. In this special episode of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast, recorded live at Web Summit Rio, we explore who really benefits from the platform economy and why transparency, worker rights and data ownership have become global issues. Joining host Ania Lichtarowicz are Len Sherman, Adjunct Professor at Columbia Business School and researcher on platform economics; Luiz Neves, CEO and founder of GigU, the app helping drivers understand the true profitability of ride and delivery offers; and Angelica Mari, award-winning journalist and CEO covering technology, innovation and the future of work in Brazil and beyond. Together, they discuss Uber's take rates, algorithmic pricing, the battle over driver data, platform regulation, and why governments in 187 countries are debating the future of digital labour. This is an essential conversation on the future of work, the gig economy, AI-driven platforms and the rights of millions of workers worldwideThe programme is presented by Ania Lichtarowicz.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast--6924871/support.Production manager: Liz TuohyEditor: Ania Lichtarowicz Somewhere on Earth Productions UK Ltd. We’re a UK based production company creating podcasts and branded content that bring stories, places and people into focus. We’re all ex-BBC so the quality of the content is excellent and quality of the sound is amazing.🎥 Learn more about what we do: ➡️ Official Website: https://somewhereonearth.co/ 📩 Contact us or book a project: [email protected] ➡️ Email: [email protected] 📱 Follow us on socials:➡️ Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/soeptech/?hl=en) ➡️ Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/httpssomewhereonearth.co)➡️ LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/somewhere-on-earth-the-global-tech-podcast) If you like our show please rate and review us.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 30, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

The Hidden Algorithms of Gig Work: Who Really Profits from Uber and the Platform Economy?

0:00 35:27

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

When was this Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast episode published?

This episode was published on June 30, 2026.

Can I download this Somewhere on Earth: The Global Tech Podcast episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!