THE -FREELANCERS- TAP : MASTER PRECIS

EXPLOITATION of freelancers is not digital empowerment : Freelancing has become a major source of income for thousands of educated youth the world over, especially for students who balance work and studies.

However, beyond the glossy image of digital empowerment, there lies a quiet, constant exploitation that rarely gets discussed.

Many clients, both local and international expect freelancers to produce full length, research based content at unbelievably low compensation. They demanded arduous work, but pay a meagre amount in return, and often insult or belittle them for raising valid concerns.

The compensation barely covers electricity costs, let alone the time and skill it takes to produce quality work.

What makes it worse is the lack of respect and accountability in these work relationships. When  freelancers ask for fair compensation or even request pending payments, they often face arrogance, false accusations, or even public shaming.

Some clients go as far as posting defamatory comments on professional platforms, damaging the writer's reputation just to avoid paying for completed work.

This mindset reflects a deeper problem : the refusal to see writing, research and creative work as real labour. It is not 'just content'. Behind every article, design or code are hours of effort, learning and focus.

Many of these freelancers are students who work hard to pay their fee and support their families, but they are treated as if their time has no value.

Almost always, freelancing industry contributes billions of dollars to the developing world's economy, but without ethical treatment and fair pay, the system is unsustainable.

All governments, online platforms and digital employers must work together to introduce basic protections for freelancers, timely payment systems, transparent contracts and public accountability for exploitative clients.

Until then, the so-called digital revolution will remain a deeply equal one where the hard work of freelancers builds other people's businesses, while their own struggles remain invisible.

The World Students Society thanks Farzana Mahar for raising this critical issue.