Are young gig workers being treated fairly in the digital age? The rise of digital labor platforms has transformed how we work, offering flexibility and opportunities. However, beneath the surface, a concerning trend has emerged: young workers often face unfair treatment regarding wages, working hours, and basic labor rights when using these platforms.

Researchers at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) have investigated this issue, seeking to understand how to better protect these vulnerable workers. Their study focuses on analyzing labor rights from an Islamic perspective, and exploring how Islamic principles can be applied to improve the labor rights of young workers on digital platforms.

The research team employed a qualitative approach, meticulously analyzing Islamic texts (the Qur’an and Hadith), relevant journal articles, and existing employment laws such as the Employment Act 1955 and the Children and Young Persons Employment Act 1996. This analysis revealed that Islamic teachings strongly advocate for justice and fairness in the employer-employee relationship.

The findings highlight the need to strengthen existing legislation to provide better protection for young gig workers. Because many current labor laws were enacted before the rise of digital platforms, they often fail to address the specific challenges faced by this growing segment of the workforce. This research contributes to the ongoing conversation about labor rights in the digital age, expanding the discussion to include the unique context of digital platforms and the specific needs of young workers.

The UTM study not only provides a theoretical framework for understanding these issues, but also offers practical guidance for policymakers and platform providers. By incorporating Islamic principles of justice and fairness, it’s possible to create a more equitable and sustainable digital economy where young workers are valued and protected. Future research can build upon these findings by exploring specific policy recommendations and developing practical tools for implementing these principles on digital labor platforms. This research paves the way for a future where the digital economy benefits everyone, especially its youngest participants. The complete research is available at https://doi.org/10.33102/mjsl.vol13no1.665