Definition
Platform cooperatives refer to a model in which the ownership and governance of digital platforms are collectively organised, typically by the workers, users, or stakeholders who participate in them.
Scope
Platform cooperatives encompass various digital services such as ride-hailing, delivery, freelance work, and other platform-based activities. Unlike conventional platforms, these initiatives aim to align technological infrastructure with democratic governance and collective ownership.
Distinction
Platform cooperatives differ from conventional digital platforms in the following ways:
Ownership is collectively held rather than concentrated in private corporations.
Governance is based on democratic decision-making rather than algorithmic or managerial control alone.
They seek to prioritise fair working conditions and social benefit over profit maximisation.
Historical example
Platform cooperatives have emerged particularly since the 2010s as a response to the rise of platform capitalism, with examples found in Europe, North America, and Latin America.
Evaluation
Platform cooperatives can be seen as an attempt to reclaim digital infrastructure and reorganise platform-based labour along more democratic and equitable lines. However, challenges such as scaling, competition, and access to capital remain significant.