Terms and Conditions

1. Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of the freelance marketplace platform ("Webounties", "Service", "we", "us", "our") operated by Webounties ("Webounties"), a company registered in England and Wales under company number [To be confirmed], with registered office at [Address to be confirmed].

By accessing or using our Platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Platform.

2. Definitions

• "Client": A user who posts jobs or bounties on the Platform
• "Hunter": A freelancer who completes work posted on the Platform
• "User": Any person using the Platform, including both Clients and Hunters
• "Smart Contract": Self-executing blockchain-based contracts that facilitate escrow and payment functions
• "Wallet": A blockchain wallet generated by the Platform for holding digital assets
• "USDC": USD Coin, a stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar
• "GMV": Gross Merchandise Value, the total value of transactions on the Platform
• "Department Head": Community-elected representatives who oversee quality in specific categories

3. Eligibility

3.1. You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Platform.

3.2. By using the Platform, you represent and warrant that:

• You have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
• You are not prohibited from using the Platform under UK law or any other applicable jurisdiction
• All information you provide is accurate, current, and complete

3.3. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone at any time for any lawful reason.

4. Account Registration

4.1. To access certain features, you must register for an account and provide accurate information.

4.2. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
• All activities that occur under your account
• Immediately notifying us of any unauthorized use

4.3. You may not:

• Use another person's account without permission
• Create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes
• Transfer your account to another person without our written consent

5. Blockchain Wallet Services

5.1. Wallet Generation

The Platform generates a blockchain wallet (on the Solana network) for each User to facilitate transactions.

5.2. Private Key Management

• Private keys are NOT stored by the Platform
• Users are solely responsible for securing their private keys
• Loss of private keys may result in permanent loss of access to funds
• The Company cannot recover lost private keys or access funds without them

5.3. Custody and Consent

• By using the Platform, you consent to funds being held in your generated wallet
• Funds remain in escrow smart contracts until project completion or withdrawal
• You acknowledge that you retain control and ownership of your digital assets
• The Platform acts solely as a facilitator and does not take custody of your funds

5.4. Withdrawal

You may withdraw funds from your wallet at any time, subject to:

• Completion of relevant smart contract conditions
• Network transaction fees (gas fees)
• Any applicable escrow hold periods for active projects

5.5. No Investment Advice

The Platform does not provide investment, financial, or tax advice regarding cryptocurrency holdings.

6. Platform Fees and Payments

6.1. Transaction Fees

• The Platform charges a 15% fee on all completed projects
• 1% is distributed to Department Heads based on category performance
• 14% is retained for platform operations, development, and growth

6.2. Payment Methods

• Primary payment currency: USDC (USD Coin)
• All payments are processed via blockchain smart contracts
• Payment is released automatically upon project completion criteria being met

6.3. Escrow System

• Clients must deposit the full project amount into escrow before work begins
• Funds are held in smart contracts until completion milestones are met
• Neither party can access escrowed funds until conditions are satisfied

6.4. Refunds

• Refunds are governed by smart contract terms and dispute resolution outcomes
• Platform fees may be non-refundable in certain circumstances
• Refund eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis

7. User Responsibilities

For Clients:

7.1. You must:

• Provide clear, accurate job descriptions
• Fund escrow accounts before requesting work
• Respond to Hunter communications in a timely manner
• Release payment upon satisfactory completion of work

7.2. You must not:

• Request work that violates any laws or third-party rights
• Attempt to circumvent platform fees by taking transactions off-platform
• Misuse the dispute resolution process

For Hunters:

7.3. You must:

• Deliver work as described and within agreed timelines
• Maintain professional communication with Clients
• Ensure you have the right to provide any deliverables
• Disclose any conflicts of interest

7.4. You must not:

• Submit plagiarized or fraudulent work
• Use Client information for purposes outside the agreed project
• Attempt to circumvent platform fees by taking transactions off-platform

8. Intellectual Property

8.1. Platform IP: All content, trademarks, and intellectual property on the Platform are owned by the Company or its licensors.

8.2. User Content: You retain ownership of content you submit, but grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and display your content for Platform operations.

8.3. Work Product: Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

• Clients receive full rights to completed deliverables upon payment
• Hunters may showcase work in portfolios unless confidentiality is required
• Specific IP transfer terms should be defined in project agreements

9. Prohibited Activities

You may not:

• 9.1. Violate any applicable laws or regulations
• 9.2. Infringe on intellectual property rights of others
• 9.3. Transmit malware, viruses, or harmful code
• 9.4. Engage in fraudulent or deceptive practices
• 9.5. Harass, abuse, or harm other users
• 9.6. Manipulate or exploit platform features, including the DAO governance system
• 9.7. Attempt to gain unauthorized access to the Platform or other users' accounts
• 9.8. Use automated systems (bots) without authorization
• 9.9. Engage in money laundering or terrorist financing
• 9.10. Post content that is illegal, defamatory, or infringes third-party rights

10. DAO Governance and NFT Reputation System

10.1. Governance Participation: Users may participate in platform governance through the decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) structure.

10.2. NFT Voting Rights: Voting power is determined by NFT-based reputation tokens earned through platform activity.

10.3. Department Heads: Community-elected Department Heads oversee category-specific quality and receive revenue sharing.

10.4. Governance Proposals: Users may submit proposals for platform improvements, subject to voting by NFT holders.

10.5. Limitations: DAO governance cannot override legal obligations, user protections, or fundamental platform security measures.

11. Dispute Resolution

11.1. Internal Resolution: Users should first attempt to resolve disputes through direct communication.

11.2. Platform Mediation: Unresolved disputes may be escalated to platform mediation, involving Department Heads or designated mediators.

11.3. Smart Contract Arbitration: Escrow disputes are resolved according to pre-defined smart contract logic and evidence submitted by both parties.

11.4. Final Determination: The Company reserves the right to make final determinations in complex disputes, though this will be rare given smart contract automation.

11.5. Legal Action: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales, and you agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1. No Guarantees: The Platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, express or implied.

12.2. Blockchain Risks: You acknowledge the inherent risks of blockchain technology, including:

• Irreversible transactions
• Network congestion and delays
• Smart contract vulnerabilities
• Cryptocurrency price volatility
• Potential loss of private keys

12.3. Limitation: To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Company shall not be liable for:

• Any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages
• Loss of profits, data, or business opportunities
• Damages exceeding the fees paid by you in the 12 months prior to the claim

12.4. Third-Party Actions: We are not responsible for the actions, content, or services of third parties, including other users.

12.5. Force Majeure: We are not liable for failures caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including blockchain network failures, regulatory changes, or natural disasters.

13. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use of the Platform
• Your violation of these Terms
• Your violation of any rights of third parties
• Your content or work product
• Your breach of any representations or warranties

14. Privacy and Data Protection

14.1. Your use of the Platform is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.

14.2. We comply with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.

14.3. By using blockchain-based services, you understand that certain transaction data is publicly recorded on the blockchain and cannot be deleted.

15. Modifications to Terms

15.1. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time.

15.2. Material changes will be notified via email or platform notification at least 30 days before taking effect.

15.3. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of modified Terms.

15.4. If you do not agree to modifications, you must cease using the Platform.

16. Termination

16.1. By You: You may terminate your account at any time by following the account closure process.

16.2. By Us: We may suspend or terminate your account immediately if:

• You violate these Terms
• We suspect fraudulent or illegal activity
• Required by law or regulatory authority
• The Platform is discontinued

16.3. Effect of Termination:

• You must withdraw all funds before account closure
• Outstanding obligations remain enforceable
• Certain provisions survive termination (including intellectual property, indemnification, and limitation of liability)

17. Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC)

17.1. We comply with UK anti-money laundering regulations and may require identity verification.

17.2. You agree to provide accurate identity information when requested.

17.3. We reserve the right to refuse service or freeze accounts pending verification.

17.4. Suspicious activity may be reported to relevant authorities as required by law.

18. Tax Obligations

18.1. You are solely responsible for determining and paying any taxes applicable to your use of the Platform.

18.2. The Company does not provide tax advice and recommends consulting a qualified tax professional.

18.3. You acknowledge that cryptocurrency transactions may have tax implications in your jurisdiction.

19. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable or invalid, that provision will be limited or eliminated to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.

20. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published on the Platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and the Company regarding use of the Platform.

21. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, please contact us at:

22. Acceptance

By using the Platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.