Abstract
Digitalization has transformed the world of work and social security systems and services. By restructuring labour markets and employment relationships, it has enabled the emergence of new types of work – including remote work, outsourcing and platform work. To accompany the transitions associated with these structural transformations of labour markets and the economy, it is crucial to ensure that all workers have access to adequate social security. As technology evolves rapidly, there is significant potential for digitalization to enhance access to and effectiveness of social security systems. By facilitating access to social security for different population groups, digitalization has become a key factor for extending effective coverage, benefiting enterprises and workers (and their families) alike. In addition, it can strengthen the effectiveness of social security systems and foster the implementation of people-centred and coordinated social security approaches, which aim to protect income security and support activity across increasingly flexible and diverse life courses. However, certain conditions need to be met for the appropriate use of technology and risks must be properly managed to ensure universal access, inclusivity and fairness, and data security. With rapid technological developments reshaping work and social protection, governments must take proactive steps to strengthen and modernize social security systems. The discussions in this paper aim to guide policy actions that enable digitalization to serve as a tool for greater inclusion and resilience, while safeguarding fundamental rights.
