China Is Rewriting the Rules for Delivery Riders and Livestreamers

China has rolled out a sweeping policy aimed at regulating gig workers, marking its most structured attempt yet to bring order to the country’s platform-driven labor market. The directive, issued by top Communist Party and State Council offices and reported by Xinhua, sets out requirements for standardized contracts, fair compensation, and improved working conditions across industries such as food delivery and livestreaming.

From Patchwork to Policy

The move replaces years of fragmented oversight with a unified framework that sets a clear deadline: by 2027, labor practices across the sector should be broadly standardized. Authorities are pushing companies to align pay with the intensity of work, limit excessive commission structures, and provide clearer terms of employment—areas that have long drawn criticism from workers and regulators alike.

Background: A Rapidly Expanding Workforce

China’s gig economy has expanded quickly over the past decade, fueled by platforms operated by companies like Meituan, Alibaba, and JD.com . Millions now rely on app-based work, often without formal contracts or consistent protections. Previous regulatory efforts focused on specific issues—such as food delivery safety or wage disputes—but stopped short of creating a comprehensive system.

Direct Impact on Platforms and Workers

Under the new rules, major technology platforms and logistics operators must revise how they manage workers. Companies are required to consult worker representatives, disclose more information about pay structures, and improve workplace conditions. For workers, the changes could mean more predictable earnings and clearer employment terms, though enforcement will depend on local regulators and company compliance.

Industry Implications

The directive also targets how platforms generate revenue. Firms must curb high commission rates and adjust compensation models to better reflect actual labor input. At the same time, companies will face stricter scrutiny of their core operating systems, particularly the algorithms that assign tasks, set prices, and evaluate performance. This could increase compliance costs and limit some of the efficiency gains that fueled rapid growth in the sector.

Broader Economic and Technological Angle

Beijing is pairing tighter oversight with a push for technological upgrades. The policy encourages companies to use artificial intelligence and Internet of Things tools to refine their systems, even as regulators demand greater transparency. This dual approach reflects a broader strategy: maintain innovation while ensuring that digital platforms align with social and labor policy goals.

The success of the framework will hinge on execution. Regulators must balance enforcement with the need to preserve flexibility that attracts workers to gig roles in the first place. There is also uncertainty over how companies will adapt their business models without eroding profitability. As the 2027 target approaches, the policy is likely to serve as a test case for how China manages the next phase of its platform economy.