As the leading political consultancy dedicated to advancing the policy priorities of the tech community, Inline works with some of the world’s most innovative and disruptive companies.
One year on: reviewing the impact of COVID-19 on the tech industry
Written by Inline Policy on 17 May 2021
Are we seeing the emergence of a new gig economy in Europe?
Written by Matthew Niblett on 10 Feb 2021
In recent weeks companies operating in the gig economy have been signing agreements with regulators and unions regarding the status of their workers. The highest profile of these has been food delivery company JustEat, which has announced that it will move away from the gig economy model in several of its markets and will offer its drivers benefits including hourly wages, sick pay, and pension contributions.
How will Californians' rejection of Assembly Bill 5 impact the gig economy in Europe?
Written by Matthew Niblett on 17 Nov 2020
Amid the fallout from the U.S. election, you might be forgiven for failing to notice that something very significant happened for the gig economy on polling day. Voters in California approved Proposition 22, a ballot measure sponsored by Uber, Lyft, and Postmates, to classify ride hailing and delivery drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees, unless certain criteria are met. This means that, barring a legal challenge or repeal in the California state legislature, the gig economy companies will not have to adhere to Assembly Bill 5. This is a major victory for the sector.
COVID-19 will force governments to show their hands on the gig economy
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 May 2020
COVID-19 has shown us both how reliant we are on gig workers, and how vulnerable such workers are in major crises. After the crisis is over, policymakers will have to decide whether the gig economy and its ecosystem is something to be championed, or something to be managed via further regulations.
Five tech sector winners from COVID-19
Written by Inline Policy on 30 Apr 2020
The tech sector, as all other sectors of the economy, has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, but not necessarily in a negative way. The pandemic could in fact represent an opportunity for five key tech sub-sectors to innovate their business models and show policy makers the potential of new technologies for good during (and beyond) global crises.
Why a European AB5 is still some way off
Written by Matthew Niblett on 06 Mar 2020
California’s recent regulation to address perceived imbalances in the gig economy (known as AB5) has set tongues wagging about the future of companies like Uber and Lyft. Given Europe’s reputation for being tough on tech giants, is a similar intervention on this side of the Atlantic now inevitable?
When regulation goes wrong: ride hailing in Spain
Written by Matthew Niblett on 14 Aug 2019
Over the last two years ride hailing policy in Spain has been mired in conflict between the industry, taxi drivers, national government, local governments and competition authorities. Rules have been changed, challenged, revised and devolved, leaving a fragmented system that does not work well for any of the stakeholders.
Personal data mobility: the new front in the battle for the digital economy
Written by Inline Policy on 30 May 2019
Data portability rules in GDPR do very little to alter the balance of power in the digital economy. Could a shift to an economy based on data mobility give individuals true control over their personal data, tackle antitrust concerns around big tech, and strengthen workers in the gig economy?
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 9 May 2019
Written by Inline Policy on 09 May 2019
This week's Top 3: German Government u-turns on e-scooter rules, new French rules for micro-mobility finalised, and Uber faces strikes shortly before IPO.
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 2 May 2019
Written by Inline Policy on 02 May 2019
This week's Top 3: Uber makes a MaaS in London, Lime calls for respect in Brussels, and the debate continues over e-scooters in Germany.
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 25 April 2019
Written by Inline Policy on 25 Apr 2019
This week's Top 3: police cracking down on scooters in London and Dublin, a new global player for car sharing, Seville launches scooter consultation
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 18 April 2019
Written by Matthew Niblett on 18 Apr 2019
This week's Top 3: Regulations on electric scooters on the way in Ireland, EU introduces new rights for ride hailing drivers, Poland's government meets with taxi drivers over new ride hailing rules.
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 11 April 2019
Written by Inline Policy on 11 Apr 2019
This week's top 3 stories: Competition regulator examines Enterprise/SHB deal, Austria adopts scooter rules and German taxi drivers protest.
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 4 April 2019
Written by Inline Policy on 04 Apr 2019
This week's top 3 stories: Fines for scooter riders and companies in Paris, new law on ride hailing and intermediaries in Poland, emergency transport laws introduced in Romania.
Key lessons from the Sharing Cities Summit
Written by Matthew Niblett on 20 Nov 2018
At a summit in Barcelona, cities from all across the world made it clear that they expect collaborative economy companies to play by their rules, and contribute to their goals.
Top 3 On-Demand Mobility Stories in Europe - 15 Nov 2018
Written by Inline Policy on 15 Nov 2018
This week's top 3 stories: Ford and SEAT get in on the scooter action, Paris invites bids for car sharing schemes, Addison Lee loses its appeal.
How WorkerTech is meeting the need for flexible support for the self-employed
Written by Inline Policy on 17 Aug 2018
As the number of self-employed people continues to rise in the UK, the need to provide support to this growing workforce is becoming increasingly important. But how can access to benefits and protections be improved, without relying on the incumbent employment relationships through which these are traditionally delivered? Emergent WorkerTech technology and applications may be part of the solution.
What the UK Government's announcements mean for the Gig Economy
Written by Inline Policy on 08 Feb 2018
The UK Government has published its long-awaited response to the Taylor Review of Modern Working Practices.