Platform cooperatives, that are directly owned and managed by their members and that use websites and/or mobile apps to sell goods and/or services, have emerged as a powerful response to the challenges posed by the platform economy. In particular, digital labour cooperative platforms have appeared in order to overcome social disruption linked to digital platforms, provide better work conditions to platform workers and to put technology at the services of the community. These cooperatives are owned and governed democratically by their workers and/or users, ensuring that the value generated is shared equitably among all stakeholders. Unlike traditional capitalistic platforms, which prioritize shareholder profits, platform cooperatives emphasize ethical commitments such as social justice, workers’ rights, sustainable consumption practices and support to their community. They fulfil their obligations toward the workers with providing them the right status accompanied with adequate protection, being them employees or self-employed. By combining the cooperative principles with digital platforms, these cooperatives offer a viable alternative that leads to a more democratic and fairer digital space, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and just platform economy.
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