A PYMNTS Company

Italy Opens Antitrust Probe Into Glovo and Deliveroo Over Rider Treatment Claims

By  |  May 6, 2026

Italy’s antitrust authority said on Wednesday it had launched investigations into the Italian operations of Spanish food delivery company Glovo, which is controlled by Delivery Hero, and British meal delivery firm Deliveroo over allegations that they may have misled consumers about the treatment of delivery riders.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    The investigation focuses on whether the companies presented an image of strong ethical standards and social responsibility that may not have matched actual working conditions for riders, according to Reuters. Italy’s competition authority said in a statement that the concerns relate to information shared with consumers through corporate communications, including codes of ethics and “about us” sections on company websites.

    According to Reuters, the authority said the companies may have promoted messaging around social responsibility that did not accurately reflect realities involving riders’ working conditions, compliance with labor regulations, and the use of algorithmic systems in managing workers.

    The Italian units of both companies said they were cooperating fully with the investigation and intended to provide all necessary information to support the inquiry.

    Related: DoorDash Wins EU Approval for $3.9 Billion Deliveroo Takeover

    “The company operates in line with high internal standards and in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations,” Glovo’s Italian unit said.

    Deliveroo’s local business also defended its practices. “We will continue to engage transparently with all relevant authorities to demonstrate that we operate responsibly and in compliance with the law,” the company said, per Reuters.

    Officials from Italy’s antitrust authority, supported by the country’s financial police, carried out inspections on Tuesday at the offices of Foodinho, Glovo Infrastructure Services in Italy, and Deliveroo Italy.

    The investigations come as Italy has intensified oversight of the food delivery industry, a sector that has expanded rapidly in recent years while facing growing legal and regulatory scrutiny over workers’ rights, algorithm-based management systems, and the employment status of delivery riders.

    Source: Reuters