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Holiday Horror: Airbnb and Booking.com Users Battle for Refunds Over Wrong Accommodations

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The century-old oak crashed down on the very first day of his vacation. James and his partner Andrew had just finished breakfast moments earlier, causing a ruckus with tables and chairs that ended up damaging the windshield of a rental car on the terrace.

Their Airbnb cottage in Provence, France, was entangled in branches that shattered the living room windows and breached the roof. “I was convinced there was a ceiling above us,” James remarked. “If it had fallen moments earlier, we could have been seriously hurt or killed.”

A day was needed for the host to clear the tree from the cottage and make temporary repairs, but the shaken couple opted to book a hotel for the remainder of their vacation, concerned that their accommodation might be structurally compromised.

Airbnb showed little concern. “I understand this has caused you inconvenience,” was the start of countless identical AI-generated replies before the comical, unresolved case was ultimately labeled as “keep safe.”

The host also seemed unbothered. “All that happened was you heard a loud noise and saw the tree on the terrace,” she responded to their refund request. “You chose to remember worries and trauma instead of celebrating unique experiences.”

Now that summer has passed, the tale of Holiday Horror Story is overflowing on Guardian Money.

Unfortunate travelers report being stuck or locked out of accommodations—whether real or not—and facing issues during mysterious nights in unknown cities. Accounts of dirty rooms, unsafe items, and illegal sublets abound. A common binding factor for these ruined trips is that they were booked via online platforms that deny refunds.

The rise of services like Airbnb and Booking.com has encouraged travelers to plan multiple getaways. These companies showcase their expansive global real estate in efforts to fulfill wanderlust on a budget.

However, consumer protections have not adapted alongside this growing industry.




The 100-year-old oak, which struck during James and Andrew’s stay in Provence.

Package deal customers have legal protections for travel nightmares as outlined in Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements; however, those booking accommodations through third-party sites often find themselves at the mercy of the host.

While some platforms promote extra protections, your agreement lies with the accommodation provider.

James and Andrew had spent £931 for a week at Proven Zal Cottage. Feeling unsafe upon returning, he switched to a hotel. They remain unsure if the damaged rental car liability falls on them. Nonetheless, Airbnb’s Air Cover pledge to refund customers in the event of serious rental issues, indicated that it was up to the host to grant any refunds, according to the host who insisted that Airbnb made the decision.

After 10 weeks of automated responses to James’ complaints, Airbnb decided to close the case, stating that the matter had dragged on for far too long. The host concluded that repairs totaled 5,000 euros (£4,350) and offered no reimbursements. Instead, she suggested the couple should celebrate their survival and “turn the event into a beautiful story.”

Eventually, Airbnb issued a full refund along with a £500 voucher after scrutiny of its health and safety policies. A spokesperson expressed, “We apologize for the initial handling of this case, which did not meet our usual high standards. We will conduct an internal review.”




The sightseeing time for one Booking.com customer was cut short due to a broken lock. Photo: Alejandro García/EPA

I was trapped

Kim Pocock booked a flat through Booking.com for a two-night stay in Barcelona. She and her daughter found themselves locked inside for almost the entire duration of their only day in the city due to a malfunctioning front door security lock.

“The host sent a maintenance man, but he couldn’t assist,” she recalled. “Eventually, a locksmith arrived, attempting to access the lock from the outside. He even had to purchase rope, which he used to hoist tools up to our window.”

Pocock sought a full refund for the stress and ruined trip. Booking.com informed her that it was up to the host to decide. Not only did the host refuse, but they also deducted a deposit of 250 euros to cover the replacement lock. Although that sum was eventually returned by Booking.com, Pocock felt the burden of the 446 euro rental fee.

“Had there been an emergency during our confinement, our lives would have been at significant risk, yet the hosts blamed us for using the lock,” she lamented.

Another Booking.com customer, Philip (name withheld), found himself locked out of a London flat he had booked for £70 just as he was about to check in. The owner informed him that he was abroad and suggested Philip find alternate accommodations for the night. Consequently, he spent an additional £123 at a hotel, only to face four months of futile efforts to obtain a refund.

“Booking.com essentially claims there’s nothing they can do because the owners are unresponsive,” he remarked. “I can’t comprehend how businesses can function this way without any accountability. The additional twist is that the property is still listed on the platform.”

Following intervention from Guardian Money, Booking.com refunded both customers. The platform confirmed that the host who had locked Philip out of the rental could not be reached. When questioned about why problematic accommodations are not delisted, the response was that they rely on guest feedback to ensure property suitability.

Reviews do not always tell the complete story. A consumer group reported last year that Booking.com’s default system shown reviews classified as “relevant,” which makes it easy for users to miss a surge of recent reviews that indicate a listing might be a scam or unavailable.

Booking.com responded by stating that it allows customers to sort reviews by newest or lowest ratings to facilitate informed decisions about the property.

Is it the same? The report noted that listings frequently flagged as fraud were still present. Booking.com responded by affirming that it relies on hosts to adhere to their terms of service and maintain up-to-date availability.




Booking.com insists that customers must review guest feedback to ensure the property is “suitable.” Photo: Dado Ruvić/Reuters

Grey Area

The issue for travelers who receive substandard services is that their contracts are with the accommodation providers rather than the booking platforms.

Both Airbnb and Booking.com claim they will assist in finding alternative housing during emergencies, but securing compensation for a problematic stay is a more complicated battle. Both platforms generally rely on hosts to act responsibly.

Consumer advocate and journalist Martin James argues that the sector requires stricter regulations. “With online platforms essentially policing themselves, if a dispute isn’t resolved, your only option is legal action,” James explains. “But who would pursue that? There’s a contract between you and the host, meaning you need to initiate legal steps in your own country.”

He adds, “You might contend that the online marketplace has failed to manage your complaints adequately, but pursuing this is a legally ambiguous matter. Both companies are registered abroad and have substantial resources.”

The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Act, which came into effect in April, mandates online platforms to “exercise professional diligence” concerning consumer transactions promoted or conducted on their platforms.

A DBT spokesperson stated: “This government supports consumers and has implemented stringent new financial penalties for breaches of consumer law to safeguard people’s money.”

They further stated: “Companies providing services to UK consumers must adhere to UK legislation. We have strengthened their competitive stance and market power to ensure they face significant penalties for non-compliance.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

AI Could Intensify Racism and Sexism in Australia, Warns Human Rights Commissioner

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Concerns have been raised that AI could exacerbate racism and sexism in Australia, as human rights commissioners expressed during internal discussions within the Labor party regarding new technologies.

Lorraine Finlay cautioned that while seeking productivity gains from AI is important, it should not come at the cost of discrimination if the technology remains unregulated.

Finlay’s remarks came after worker Sen. Michel Ananda Raja advocated for the “liberation” of Australian data to tech companies, noting that AI often reflects and perpetuates biases from abroad while shaping local culture.

Ananda Raja opposes a dedicated AI law but emphasizes that content creators ought to be compensated for their contributions.

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Discussions about enhancing productivity through AI are scheduled for the upcoming federal economic summit, as unions and industry groups voice concerns over copyright and privacy issues.

Media and Arts organizations have raised alarms about the “ramping theft” of intellectual property if large tech corporations gain access to content for training AI systems.

Finlay noted the challenges of identifying embedded biases due to a lack of clarity regarding the datasets used by AI tools.

“Algorithmic bias means that discrimination and inequality are inherent in the tools we utilize, leading to outcomes that reflect these biases,” she stated.




Lorraine Finlay, Human Rights Commissioner. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP

“The combination of algorithmic and automation biases leads individuals to rely more on machine decisions and potentially disregard their own judgment,” Finlay remarked.

The Human Rights Commission has consistently supported an AI Act that would enhance existing legislation, including privacy laws, and ensure comprehensive testing for bias in AI tools. Finlay urged the government to quickly establish new regulations.

“Bias tests and audits, along with careful human oversight, are essential,” she added.


Evidence of bias in AI technologies is increasingly reported in fields like healthcare and workforce recruitment in Australia and worldwide.

A recent survey in Australia revealed that job applicants interviewed by AI recruiters faced potential discrimination if they had accents or disabilities.

Ananda Raja, a vocal proponent for AI development, noted the risks of training AI systems using exclusively Australian data, as well as the concerns of amplifying foreign biases.

While the government prioritizes intellectual property protection, she cautioned against limiting domestic data access, warning that Australia would be reliant on overseas AI models without adequate oversight.

“AI requires a vast array of data from diverse populations to avoid reinforcing biases and harming those it aims to assist,” Ananda Raja emphasized.

“We must liberate our data to better train our models, ensuring they authentically represent us.”

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“I am eager to support content creators while freeing up data, aiming for an alternative to foreign exploitation of resources,” Ananda Raja stated.

She cited AI screening tools for skin cancer as examples where algorithmic bias has been documented. To combat bias and discrimination affecting specific patients, it is essential to train these models on diverse datasets to protect sensitive information.


Finlay emphasized that any release of Australian data needs to be handled fairly, but she feels the emphasis should be on establishing appropriate regulations.

“It’s certainly beneficial to have diverse and representative data… but that is merely part of the solution,” she clarified.

“We must ensure that this technology is equitable and is implemented in a manner that recognizes and values human contributions.”

Judith Bishop, an AI expert at La Trobe University and former data researcher at an AI firm, asserted that increasing the availability of local data will enhance the effectiveness of AI tools.

“It is crucial to recognize that systems developed in different contexts can be relevant, as the [Australian] population should not exclusively depend on US data models,” Bishop stated.

eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has also voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency related to the data applied by AI technologies.

In her statement, she urged tech companies to be transparent about their training datasets, develop robust reporting mechanisms, and utilize diverse, accurate, and representative data for their products.

“The opacity surrounding generative AI’s development and deployment poses significant issues,” Inman Grant remarked. “This raises critical concerns about the potential for large language models (LLMs) to amplify harmful biases, including restrictive or detrimental gender norms and racial prejudices.”

“Given that a handful of companies dominate the development of these systems, there is a significant risk that certain perspectives, voices, and evidence could become suppressed or overlooked in the generated outputs.”


Source: www.theguardian.com

Manufacturers of Air Flyers and Smart Speakers Urged to Uphold User Privacy Rights

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The UK’s Intelligence Commission (ICO) has urged manufacturers of air fryers, smart speakers, fertility trackers, and smart TVs to prioritize the privacy rights of individuals.

Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the lack of control over how data is gathered, utilized, and shared regarding their homes and personal lives.

Following concerns raised about an air fryer that reportedly listens to its environment, Public concerns have emerged about digital devices collecting an excessive amount of personal data, prompting data protection regulators to issue initial guidelines on the handling of personal information.


Manufacturers and data handlers are now required to ensure data security, maintain transparency with consumers, and routinely delete collected information.

“We are pleased to share our commitment to offering a diverse range of services to our clients,” stated Stephen Almond, executive director of ICO’s regulatory risks.

“These products are meant to enhance our lives, but that doesn’t imply they should collect unnecessary data… Users shouldn’t have to sacrifice their privacy to enjoy the advantages of smart devices.”

“Everyone expects a degree of privacy within their own homes, thus we need to trust that smart products will honor that privacy, act responsibly, and utilize information only as anticipated.”

The new guidance points out various devices classified as part of the “Internet of Things,” which collect data that must be managed with care. These items include smart fertility trackers that log user periods and temperature readings, transmitting that data back to manufacturer servers to determine fertile days.

Smart speakers should not only listen to their owners but also to other family members and visitors; they must be designed to empower users to adjust settings to minimize personal data collection.

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Regulators emphasized that manufacturers must be clear with individuals regarding the use of their personal data, only collecting what is necessary, and enabling easy deletion of data from devices.

The ICO has stated to manufacturers that it is “prepared to take necessary actions to safeguard individuals from potential harm.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Exhibition Chronicles the Evolution of UK Privacy Rights: From Floppy Disks to Vaccine Cards

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Four decades ago, a 4-drawer filing cabinet was necessary to house 10,000 documents. Now, it only requires 736 floppy disks to hold the same volume of files. The cloud allows for the storage of 10,000 documents without occupying physical space.

With the evolution of data storage comes a transformation in the information landscape. This evolution poses challenges related to the storage, transfer, and proper utilization of individuals’ personal data.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) organized an exhibition at the Manchester Central Library this week, showcasing 40 items that demonstrate the evolution of data privacy. Each item illustrates how access to information has changed over the past four decades and how data has become pivotal in major news events.

John Edwards, a member of the intelligence committee, expressed his appreciation for the exhibition, emphasizing the importance of human influence in data-related matters. He highlighted the significance of understanding terms like data controller, data processor, and data subject.

The exhibition features various items, including Pokemon toys, floppy disks, Tesco Club cards, modems, Millennium bug brochures, soccer shirts, and Covid vaccination cards. It also showcases how ICO interventions have brought about societal changes, such as ending the construction industry’s “employment denial list” and implementing public food hygiene assessments for restaurants.

One of Edwards’ favorite exhibition items is the spiked lawn aerator shoes, symbolizing an early enforcement action in the 1980s against a company selling customer information obtained from shoe sales.




My favourite item at the exhibition by Intelligent John Edwards is the spiked grass aerator shoes. Photo: Christopher Tormond/The Guardian

The 40th pedestal at the exhibition remains unused, inviting the public to suggest objects that have influenced the data landscape. Edwards emphasized the personal and subjective nature of privacy, stating that each individual has unique expectations and experiences.

The ICO was founded as a UK data protection regulator near Manchester 40 years ago and now oversees new data protection laws. The regulatory landscape has undergone significant transformations since its inception.




NHS Covid Vaccination Card. Photo: Andy Rain/EPA

According to Edwards, individuals now have a significantly larger amount of personal data worldwide compared to when the ICO was established. The constant flow of data worldwide illustrates the extensive data environment we now exist in.

Edwards highlighted the challenge of keeping pace with the rapid changes in technology and data usage. The ICO regulates a wide range of entities, from small schools and GP surgeries to large social media companies, requiring continuous adaptation to address privacy implications.

Reflecting on the future, Edwards acknowledged the uncertain geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the potential impact of quantum computing and advanced AI technologies on data handling and privacy in the coming years.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Musiciansal Performance Society (MPS) emphasizes protecting artists’ rights in AI copyright discussion

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The MP’s two cross-party committees are urging the government to prioritize ensuring fair rewards for creators for their creative work and to facilitate the training of artificial intelligence models.

Lawmakers are advocating for more transparency in the data used to train generative AI models and urging the government not to implement plans that require creators to opt out of using such data.

The government’s proposed solution to the AI-copyright law tension includes exceptions for AI companies to train models with copyrighted work under “text and data mining,” while providing creators the option to opt out of the “rights reserve” system.

Caroline Dinage, chairman of the Culture, Media and Sports Committee, expressed concern over the response of the creative industry to the proposal, highlighting the threat to artists’ hard-earned success from unauthorized use of their work.

She emphasized the importance of fair treatment for creators and the need for transparency in data used to train AI models to ensure proper rewards for their work.

The Culture, Media, Sports Commission, Science, Science, Innovation and Technology Commission responded to government consultations on AI and copyright after a joint evidence session with representatives from AI startups and creative industries.

Letter to the Minister will enhance government transparency about training data, protect opt-out copyright holders, and empower consumers to make informed choices about AI models.

Failure to address these issues could disproportionately impact smaller creators and journalists operating under financial constraints, according to the letter.

Concerns among celebrities and the creative industry about government AI proposals have led to protests, with musicians releasing silent albums in protest.

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The letter also highlighted the need for transparency in training data for AI models, citing examples from the EU and California which have introduced requirements for detailed technical records on training data.

The government is considering revenue-sharing models for AI developers to address copyright concerns and is urged to conduct full impact assessments on proposed options.

The letter cautioned against AI developers moving to jurisdictions with more lenient rules and emphasized the need for compliance, enforcement, and remedies for copyright issues.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Drones: A Game-Changer for Animal Rights Activists Worldwide

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Late last year, UrgentSeas received an anonymous tip from a former Miami Aquarium employee about an animal tank kept away from public view. Advocacy groups investigated.

In November, they posted a short clip of what they found after flying a drone over the property. It was an old manatee living alone in a dilapidated private pool. Within a month, the video had been viewed millions of times and the outcry became so intense that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service moved Romeo the manatee and his companion Juliet to a sanctuary.

Over the past decade, drones have become an invaluable tool for activists and conservation groups. In 2013, the animal rights organization Peta (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) was launched. drone campaign Tracking illegal bowhunting in Massachusetts.

Since then, drones have been used to record factory farm pollution In the Midwest of the United States, there was an outbreak of sea lice in salmon pens in Iceland. Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon. Drones are popular because they are relatively cheap, easy to use, and can extend reach even in difficult or inaccessible terrain. It also provides a bird’s-eye view of the scale of problems such as oil spills and illegal logging.

When it comes to breeding marine mammals, an aerial view is extremely valuable and can reveal the cramped conditions and restricted lives of animals in aquariums.

In some cases, drones have captured the secret lives of hidden animals, such as Romeo the Miami manatee. “This is footage that people need to see to understand how cruel confinement really is,” said the drone pilot who shot the footage at the Miami Seaquarium, and who wishes to remain anonymous.

Another early adopter of drones is Sea Shepherd. Marine conservation groups have begun filming illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing on the high seas.As technology advances, drones have become quieter and stealthier, he says. Simon Ager, long-time Sea Shepherd volunteer. This is critical for infiltrating ships and catching crimes in progress, he added.

“In my experience, drones have been ineffective because you can never get close to a ship where illegal activity is taking place. They see us coming, and they see us over the horizon. They will turn and flare up, and you guys will have nothing to go after them,” says Agar.


Sea Shepherd thermal drones monitor the porpoise sanctuary in the Gulf of California as part of an effort to protect the world's most endangered marine mammals from illegal fishing. Photo: Eli Hausman/Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Agel said off the coasts of Mexico and Ecuador, tuna fishermen are pulling up nets tangled with sharks and other unintended bycatch, or dumping miles of fishing line into the water, where more marine life is caught. I recorded how it looked like it was dying. Off the coast of the Galapagos Islands, he tracked a large flotilla of Chinese squid fishing vessels with a night-vision drone.That campaign was exposed. Environmental and human rights abuses are rampant on boardincluding slave labor and the dumping of unwanted catches.

Drones also allow activists to safely distance themselves from the dangerous situations they are filming. During an operation to save endangered porpoises in the Gulf of California, cartel-funded fishermen shot a Sea Shepherd drone out of the sky and threw petrol bombs at the ship.

“Conservation is a very dangerous profession, and more environmentalists are killed every year,” Ager said. “Drones are a great way to study something without putting yourself at risk and decide if it's worth the risk.”

The high seas are a near-lawless zone where drone rules and regulations are severely violated. The legal situation is different on land, where activists use drones to photograph zoos and aquariums. UrgentSeas pilots say they use the app to determine where they are allowed to fly their drones and do their best to follow the appropriate laws.

“Flying a drone is clearly something you shouldn't do,” she says. “You don't have to stand outside the facility and fly the drone. You might even hide in the bushes. You're watching the cars. It's kind of like a mission.”

Last November, the Miami Seaquarium filed for a non-disclosure order against Argent Seeds co-founder Phil Demers after drone footage of Romeo went viral. The move is part of a larger lawsuit the aquarium filed against animal activists in May 2023, alleging defamation, public nuisance and trespassing, many of which include flying drones and trespassing on property. It was from a recording.


Romeo, the Miami Aquarium's manatee, was moved to a swimming pool at the Tampa Zoo in Florida last December. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy

The Miami Seaquarium did not respond to multiple requests for comment from the Guardian, but said in the complaint that Demers “repeatedly flew unmanned aircraft without authorization.” [Seaquarium’s] Accommodation is available during normal business hours. ”

As a relatively new technology, drones still exist in a legal gray area. “Drones, legal and privacy issues are new issues,” says Benjamin Christopher Caraway, an attorney with the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project in Colorado and Demers' attorney. There are several state torts and statutes regarding drones, but he has yet to see many cases heard in court.

Activists say drones are necessary for free speech and democracy, but opponents say they invade privacy and, in the case of aquariums and zoos, cause trouble to animals, customers and staff. .

Carraway hopes the drone law will address conflicting concerns in a nuanced way. “The whole concept of drones requires a significant update to the law and raises another question: the balance between legitimate interests and the public's right to know, privacy.”


Romeo the manatee rescued from the Miami Aquarium sticks his nose out of the water in his new home at the Tampa Zoo. Photo: Zuma Press Inc/Alamy

A trial involving Demers and the Miami Seaquarium is scheduled for May, but it is doubtful the facility will still be open by then. Last year's death of killer whale Lolita and news reports about Romeo's living conditions have added to public pressure on an already struggling aquarium. On March 7, Miami-Dade County issued an eviction notice, ordering the aquarium operator to vacate the county-owned property by April 21.


“The Dolphin Company has repeatedly failed to meet its contractual obligations under the lease agreement,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava said in a statement. “The current situation at Miami Aquarium is unsustainable and unsafe due to its failure to maintain the facility in good condition and its failure to demonstrate that it can ensure the safety and welfare of the animals in its care.”

UrgentSeas receives 5-6 tips from whistleblowers each month. Most are former or current employees of zoos and aquariums around the world. According to Whale & Dolphin Conservation USA, currently 56 killer whales They are in captivity all over the world.

UrgentSeas plans to document every facility with a drone (though the group encourages supporters to fly the drones themselves). “It’s the drone that shows us everything,” says his anonymous UrgentSeas pilot. “But it comes with a lot of risks.”

Source: www.theguardian.com

Member states do not provide enough support for EU interim agreement on gig worker rights

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The Christmas present for the EU’s precarious gig workers can’t come soon enough: a political agreement announced in the middle of this month aims to strengthen the rights of platform workers across the European Union by establishing a legal presumption of employment. However, it does not have the support of the necessary qualified majority among the people. Dear Member States, that is clear today.

A quick update to the European Council online press release had promoted previous political dealings on file, the agency wrote.[O]On December 22, 2023, the Spanish Presidency concluded that it was not possible to reach the necessary majority for a provisional agreement among the representatives of the Member States (Coreper). The Belgian Presidency will resume negotiations with the European Parliament to reach an agreement on the final form of the directive. “

This development was previously covered bloomberg and Euractic — reported that the deal failed to secure a qualified majority at core par on Friday.

Euractic cited information that the Baltic states, the Czech Republic, France, Hungary and Italy had “formally said no to the deal they believe in”, adding: “As it became clear that a majority would not be reached, the document There was not even a formal vote taken.” It was too far removed from the board’s directives. “

France has been cited as being at the forefront of resistance to the deal announced mid-month by exhausted parliamentary negotiators, with parliamentary co-representatives also on file. Blaming French President Emmanuel Macron for opposition to deal Early this month.

Depending on the changes requested by the blocking Member States, the file could be forced back into the EU’s tripartite legislative negotiation process known as the Trilogue, where the European Parliament, Council and Commission The co-legislators will have to try again. To find a compromise that they can all agree on.

However, with European elections looming, there will be the added complication of tight deadlines if the Estates-General has to reconvene in January.

Unless a way can be found to move this file forward in the coming months, gig worker labor reform will be at the mercy of reconfigured political priorities under the new European Commission and Parliament. It is likely that the current system will lean even further to the right.

In a thread posted on He then announced on December 13 that an agreement had been reached on the platform worker file, and he blamed the Conservative and Liberal governments for blocking the reforms.

“The Spanish Council Presidency has reached an agreement with the support of all political groups in the country. [the European] Parliament other than the far right,” he also wrote [translated from Spanish using AI]. “This directive is inspired by the directive known as the Lidar Law, which came into force in Spain on August 12, 2021.”

“This pioneering regulation at international level, which positions the EU as a leader in a just digital transition, must continue to be discussed in the next Belgian Presidency, based on the agreement reached by the Spanish Presidency and the European Parliament.” he said. Added. “Spain and the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy will continue to defend an ambitious directive that truly improves the situation of workers on digital platforms.”

Congressional negotiators said at a press conference earlier this month to announce a tentative agreement on the file that estimates of the employment relationship between gig workers and platforms are among a list of five “indicators of control or direction.” He said it will be triggered if two of these conditions are met. However, he declined to provide details on what these standards would be.

Opposition to the deal is likely to focus on this element of the reform, with reports suggesting that bloc member states are seeking to raise the threshold before employment estimates begin.

Asked about this, a council spokesperson told TechCrunch: “We acknowledge that the disagreement centers on the issue of legal presumption.”

The council’s position is that came back in june, At least three of the seven criteria set out in the Directive had to be met for the employment presumption to be triggered. An interim agreement (now unsuccessful) had lowered the threshold to two out of five levels. However, the agreement announced earlier this month also allowed member states to expand the list of criteria, so disabled people are likely to only have two criteria to trigger employment presumptions instead of three. .

Lawmakers who touted the deal earlier this month called it “historic” and “ambitious” and said it “shifts the burden of proof” and burdens on precarious gig workers. It suggested that this would prevent them from being “incorrectly considered to be self-employed”. Prove on the platform that the employee is truly self-employed.

Source: techcrunch.com