ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN TRANSFORMING THE GIG ECONOMY

Abstract: Digital platforms have changed the way short-term work is organised, and artificial intelligence has become an important mechanism behind this transformation. This paper studies how AI is used in India's gig economy for assigning work, adjusting prices, evaluating performance and identifying fraud. The discussion uses Uber, Zomato and Upwork as representative platform examples and draws on secondary information from the sources listed in the study. The analysis shows that AI helps platforms coordinate large numbers of workers and customers, reduce operational delays, personalise opportunities, and strengthen platform security. At the same time, automated decisions can create concerns relating to fairness, explainability, employment stability and privacy. The paper therefore argues that technological efficiency alone is not sufficient for sustainable platform growth. Transparent decision systems, regular algorithmic checks, human review of adverse decisions and responsible handling of worker data are needed to build greater trust. The study concludes that AI should be developed as a worker-supporting technology rather than only as an instrument for platform control.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Gig Economy, Platform Work, Algorithmic Management, Job Matching, Dynamic Pricing, Fraud Detection, Uber, Zomato, Upwork, India