Adio explores the ways algorithmic tools are enabling new kinds of economic domination and digitally limiting workers' autonomy -- and how this is especially profound in the majority world.

"This digital colonialism operates more subtly than its historical predecessor but is no less pernicious in its effects," writes Adio. "It extracts value from African labor markets while offering little in return by way of sustainable economic development.”

In the wake of Europe's new Platform Work Directive, which aims to better protect data workers who perform work on digital platforms, who are the workers doing this labor? Mila and colleagues survey Europe's microtask data workers ("microworkers") and report in depth on their demographics, support needs, and policy recommendations.

"Low remunerations, limited direct communication with clients and platforms, and difficulty to challenge payment withholdings are common complaints, but the pervasive misconception that microworkers choose this type of work voluntarily discourages efforts to improve working conditions," write the authors. "This report highlights that microworkers are indeed platform workers, and stresses that their distinct needs must be acknowledged in discussions and legislation pertaining to platform work."

Also by Adio, this piece for Noēma explores the trauma and other hazards data workers already face in training AI, and argues for safeguards.

"Just as we have radiation exposure limits for nuclear workers, we need trauma exposure limits for data workers. This “trauma cap” would set strict limits on the amount and type of disturbing content a worker can be exposed to within a given timeframe," he writes.