The "Rider Law" aimed to improve delivery in Spain. In the sector, there are those who believe it has served the opposite purpose.

Spain's "Rider Law," implemented in 2021, intended to provide better protections for delivery workers, but has become a contentious point in the country's digital economy. The legislation sought to reclassify self-employed delivery riders as employees, aiming to guarantee labor rights and benefits in the burgeoning gig economy. However, the law's impact has sparked debate across the sector, raising questions about its actual benefits. The core of the "Ley Rider" mandated the reclassification of riders as employees, shifting the responsibility for social security contributions and labor protections onto the platforms. This involved significant structural changes for companies like Deliveroo and Glovo, alongside potential increases in operational costs. The move was intended to align delivery work with established labor standards and improve the precarious working conditions prevalent in the sector. Despite its intentions, the law has been criticized for potentially hindering the very workers it aimed to protect, as well as negatively impacting restaurants and consumers. Concerns raised involve reduced work opportunities, increased delivery times and potentially higher prices. This situation highlights the difficulties in crafting legislation that effectively balances worker rights with the flexibility and economic dynamism of digital platforms. The ongoing debate over the "Rider Law" serves as a cautionary tale for other European countries considering similar regulations. As the EU grapples with its own digital labor legislation, the Spanish experience underscores the complex challenges of regulating the gig economy and ensuring digital sovereignty across the continent.