Though not quite the same scene as gig work, the matter of classification has long been an issue in the tech scene, at least where I am in Canada. That said, I think some clamping-down has occurred of late. Recruiters used to openly solicit 'incorporated' developers, despite the actual working conditions being almost entirely equivalent to that of an employee: hours set by the employer, requirements to be on-site, often sitting beside full time employees, etc.