Online platforms connecting workers with clients in the ‘gig economy’ invoked numerous conflicts with government authorities, including prosecutions, court cases, and bans. This study examines the effects of national institutions on the negative institutional reactions experienced by Uber, which introduced novel platform technology from the tech sector into the established taxi sector—an example of multi-system dynamics. We distinguish between institutions related to the rule of law, institutions supporting innovation, and institutions related to labour protection. We also consider the prevalence of informality. Focusing on Uber, our findings reveal that the platform experienced the highest number of negative institutional reactions in countries with a stronger rule of law. Our study contributes to the understanding of the role of conflict in disruptive innovation processes at the intersection of multiple socio-technical systems.