Wolt grey economy rules are now stricter as the delivery platform moves to prevent illegal work and account misuse among couriers. The company announced a set of measures that include rigorous identity checks, a one-account policy, and the creation of a dedicated enforcement unit reporting directly to chief executive Marianne Vikkula.
The new rules are designed to ensure transparency, strengthen oversight of work permits, and clarify the system for substitute couriers who deliver on behalf of account holders. These changes address concerns about multiple account operations and arrangements where one courier allows another to work under their profile.
Marianne Vikkula said, “Wolt was built to offer flexible earning opportunities, not to enable abuse. We are tightening oversight and increasing transparency so that our platform cannot be used for illegal or exploitative arrangements.”
Under the updated policy, every courier can hold only one account. While this rule already exists in Wolt’s service agreement, the company will now enforce it through regular account reviews. Any user found controlling multiple accounts will have all associated accounts removed from the platform.
Identity and work permit checks will be more frequent and apply to both registered couriers and substitute couriers. Devices failing verification will be blocked from delivering, and couriers without valid work permits or who refuse checks will lose access to the platform. Wolt has emphasized that all couriers must have proper work authorization to operate on its service.
To support compliance, Wolt is introducing a dedicated reporting channel for couriers to flag suspected misuse or illegal activity. This channel will help the company identify suspicious arrangements and investigate reports thoroughly.
The company is also clarifying the rules for substitute couriers. Arrangements that are exploitative or commercially unreasonable, such as account holders charging excessive fees for substitutes to deliver, will be prohibited. Vikkula added, “If we detect abuse, we will act. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting the flexibility of work for the thousands of couriers who use our platform responsibly.”
These measures will be introduced gradually over the coming months. They come as European Union countries prepare to implement new platform work regulations. The EU directive on platform labor requires member states to introduce national laws that clarify the rights and responsibilities of digital platform workers by the end of the year. The legislation aims to strengthen oversight of gig economy companies and provide tools for tackling illegal labor practices.
Wolt says the updates are intended to improve compliance and ensure the platform operates within existing labor and immigration rules. The focus is on maintaining fair and transparent work while protecting couriers who follow the rules and use the platform responsibly.
