platform co-ops

Platform co-ops are digital platforms owned and operated by their users—such as workers, customers, or community members—rather than external investors or corporations. They prioritize democratic governance, meaning members have a say in decision-making, and profits are often shared among members or reinvested into the platform. Examples include ride-sharing, housing, or freelance job platforms that operate under cooperative principles. This structure aims to create more equitable, transparent, and community-focused alternatives to traditional corporate platforms, fostering economic empowerment and aligning platform operations with the interests of those who directly use and contribute to them.