Italy publishes draft legislation implementing the EU Platform Work Directive

At a glance

• On 24 July 2026, the Italian Government approved draft legislation which implements the EU Platform Work Directive (Directive), with the new regime expected to enter into force on 2 December 2026.
• The draft applies broadly to digital labour platforms and individuals performing platform work, including employees, self-employed workers and certain collaborators.
• The proposal introduces rules to support the correct classification of platform workers, including a legal presumption of employment status in certain circumstances and mechanisms for challenging contractual classification.
• Platforms would be subject to extensive obligations regarding automated monitoring and decision-making systems, including transparency requirements, human oversight, restrictions on certain data processing activities and workers’ rights to human review of automated decisions.
• The draft also contains requirements relating to health and safety, worker consultation, reporting obligations, communication channels and protection against retaliation, supported by a range of administrative penalties for non-compliance.

Italy has published a draft legislative decree implementing the Directive, which is intended to improve working conditions for individuals performing work through digital labour platforms and to regulate the use of algorithmic management systems in platform work. The draft is scheduled to enter into force on 2 December 2026.

The proposed legislation would apply to digital labour platforms operating in Italy regardless of where they are established, as well as to individuals carrying out platform work, including employees, self-employed workers and certain coordinated and continuous collaborators. It introduces measures aimed at ensuring the correct classification of platform workers, including the application of a legal presumption of employment status and procedures through which employment status may be assessed or challenged.

A significant part of the draft focuses on automated monitoring and decision-making systems. Platforms would be prohibited from processing certain categories of personal data, including information relating to workers’ emotional or psychological state and other sensitive characteristics. They would also be required to provide detailed information about the operation of automated systems, conduct impact assessments, ensure meaningful human oversight and maintain processes allowing workers to request explanations of automated decisions and seek human review. Decisions such as account suspension, termination or equivalent measures would need to be taken by a human rather than solely by an automated system.

The draft also contains provisions addressing health and safety risks associated with platform work, including risks arising from automated systems. In addition, platforms would be required to establish internal reporting channels, provide information and consultation rights in relation to automated systems, make specified information available to authorities and worker representatives, and ensure workers have access to secure communication channels. The proposal further includes protections against retaliation, dismissal and other detrimental treatment linked to the exercise of rights under the legislation.

The draft decree remains subject to the legislative process and may be amended before adoption. If enacted, it would introduce a comprehensive framework governing platform work and algorithmic management in Italy, accompanied by a range of administrative sanctions for non-compliance.