Sharing Economy and Gig Platforms

The sharing economy covers platforms that let ordinary people offer rooms, rides, deliveries, or other services through an app that handles matching and payment. Ride-hailing, short-term rentals, and freelance gig work are common examples. Cities, states, federal agencies, and courts all set rules.

People usually ask whether gig workers are employees or contractors, how cities regulate short-term rentals and ride services, and who is responsible for safety and insurance. They also ask how taxes and licensing apply and how rules vary from place to place.