Italy opens antitrust probe into Glovo and Deliveroo over rider treatment claims

Wednesday 06 - 11:15

Italy’s competition authority has launched investigations into the Italian operations of food delivery platforms Glovo and Deliveroo over alleged misleading claims regarding the treatment of delivery riders.

The probe also involves Glovo’s parent company Delivery Hero SE, which controls the Spanish-based platform operating in Italy.

Concerns over public messaging and working conditions

According to the authority, the companies may have presented an overly positive image of their ethical standards and social responsibility, including on websites and in corporate communications.

Investigators are examining whether this representation accurately reflects the reality of riders’ working conditions, compliance with labour rules, and the use of algorithmic management systems.

Inspections carried out

Italian financial police assisted regulators in conducting inspections at several company offices, including Glovo and Deliveroo operations in Italy.

The companies have not yet publicly commented on the investigation.

Wider scrutiny of the sector

The case comes amid increasing regulatory pressure in Italy on the fast-growing food delivery sector, which has faced repeated criticism over labour rights, working conditions, and the classification of riders as independent contractors.

Authorities across Europe have been tightening oversight of gig economy platforms as concerns grow over worker protections and algorithmic control.