By accessing or using Platcha ("the Platform", "we", "us", or "our"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Platform.
These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Platcha. Please read them carefully before using our services.
2. Eligibility
2.1 General Requirements
To use Platcha, you must:
Meet the age requirements specified below
Not be prohibited from using the service under applicable laws
Provide accurate and complete registration information
Maintain the security of your account credentials
2.2 Age Requirements
Age Policy
Clients: Must be 18 years or older. Freelancers: May be 13 years or older with proper parental/guardian authorization.
For Client Accounts:
You must be at least 18 years of age
You must have the legal capacity to enter into binding contracts
You are financially responsible for all transactions
For Freelancer Accounts:
Ages 18+: May create and operate accounts independently
Ages 13-17: May create accounts with explicit parental or legal guardian permission (see Minor Account Requirements below)
Under 13: Not permitted to use the platform under any circumstances (COPPA compliance)
2.3 Minor Account Requirements (Ages 13-17)
Important for Minor Freelancers
If you are between 13-17 years old, your parent or legal guardian must read and agree to these Terms on your behalf. They will be legally responsible for all account activity and contractual obligations.
For freelancers aged 13-17, the following requirements apply:
Parental Consent: A parent or legal guardian must provide verifiable consent during account creation
Account Oversight: The parent/guardian must supervise the minor's use of the platform
Legal Responsibility: The parent/guardian is the legal contracting party and assumes all contractual obligations
Payment Recipient: All payments must be made to the parent/guardian's verified payment account
Verification: We may require additional identity verification documents for both the minor and parent/guardian
Communication: Parents/guardians will receive copies of all important platform communications
Account Monitoring: Parents/guardians have the right to access and monitor all account activity
Termination Rights: Parents/guardians may terminate the minor's account at any time
2.4 Parental/Guardian Responsibilities
By consenting to a minor's use of Platcha, the parent or legal guardian agrees to:
Be bound by these Terms of Service as if they were the user
Be fully responsible for all account activity, including any violations
Supervise the minor's interactions with clients and ensure professional conduct
Ensure the minor's work complies with all platform policies (including AI and watermark policies)
Handle all financial transactions and tax obligations
Protect the minor from inappropriate content or interactions
Immediately report any concerns or violations to Platcha
2.5 Minor Account Restrictions
Accounts operated by minors (ages 13-17) have additional restrictions:
May only operate as freelancers, not as clients
Must clearly indicate minor status on their profile
May have withdrawal limits or enhanced review processes
Subject to additional monitoring for safety and compliance
Cannot access certain features that may be inappropriate for minors
2.6 Privacy Protection for Minors
We take additional measures to protect minor users:
Enhanced privacy settings by default
Increased monitoring of communications for safety
Parental access to all account data and messages
Additional verification before processing payments
Compliance with COPPA (US) and GDPR (EU) requirements for minors
Why We Allow Young Freelancers
We believe talented young people deserve opportunities to develop their skills, build portfolios, and earn money doing what they love. Many exceptional designers, developers, writers, and artists are under 18.
By allowing 13-17 year olds with parental oversight, we create a safe, legal framework for young talent to participate in the freelance economy while ensuring proper supervision and protection.
3. User Accounts
3.1 Account Types
Platcha offers two types of accounts:
Freelancer Accounts: For individuals offering services
Client Accounts: For individuals or businesses seeking services
Users may maintain both account types but must clearly distinguish their role in each transaction.
3.2 Account Responsibilities
You are responsible for:
Maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials
All activities that occur under your account
Notifying us immediately of any unauthorized access
Providing accurate and up-to-date information
3.3 Account Termination
We reserve the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms, engage in fraudulent activity, or for any other reason at our sole discretion. You may close your account at any time, subject to completion of outstanding obligations.
4. Commission Structure and Payments
Platform Commission
Platcha charges a 10% commission on all project values. This commission is automatically deducted from payments before funds are released to freelancers.
4.1 Escrow System
Secure Escrow Protection
Platcha operates a secure escrow system to protect both clients and freelancers. All project funds are held safely by Platcha throughout the entire project lifecycle until both parties are satisfied.
How Our Escrow System Works:
Step 1: Client Payment
Client agrees to project terms and price with freelancer
Client pays the full project amount upfront to Platcha
Payment is immediately placed in secure escrow
Freelancer is notified that funds are secured and can begin work
Step 2: Funds Held in Escrow
Platcha holds the full payment amount during the entire project
Funds are kept secure and cannot be accessed by either party
Freelancer works on the project with payment guaranteed
Client is protected - no payment release until satisfied
Freelancer delivers final unwatermarked files when complete
Client reviews the final deliverables for approval
Step 4: Client Approval
Client marks the project as complete and approved through the platform
Client confirms they are satisfied with the deliverables
Once approved, the automatic release process is triggered
Step 5: Automatic Fund Release
Upon client approval, Platcha automatically processes the payment
10% commission is deducted from the total amount
The remaining 90% is automatically released to the freelancer
Funds are transferred to the freelancer's account or payment method
Both parties receive confirmation of the completed transaction
4.2 Escrow Protection Benefits
For Clients:
Funds are only released when you approve the final deliverables
Protection against freelancers disappearing or not completing work
Ability to request revisions before approving payment
Dispute resolution support if deliverables don't meet terms
No risk of paying upfront and receiving substandard work
For Freelancers:
Guaranteed payment - funds are already secured before you start work
Protection against clients refusing to pay after delivery
No risk of completing work without receiving compensation
Automatic payment release upon approval - no chasing clients for payment
Dispute resolution support if clients act unfairly
4.3 How Commissions Work
Platcha charges a 10% commission on all project values
Commission is automatically deducted from escrowed funds upon project approval
The remaining 90% is released to the freelancer immediately
Commission applies to the total project value, including any tips or bonuses
Commission covers escrow services, dispute resolution, platform maintenance, and support
4.4 Payment Processing
All payments must be processed through the Platform's escrow system
Clients are not permitted to pay freelancers directly outside the Platform
Payment processing fees may apply depending on payment method
Funds remain in secure escrow until client approval or dispute resolution
Freelancers cannot request early release of escrowed funds
Clients cannot cancel projects to retrieve escrowed funds without valid dispute
4.5 Auto-Approval Policy
To prevent clients from holding funds indefinitely:
If a client does not respond within 7 days of final delivery, the project may be automatically approved
Clients will receive multiple reminders before auto-approval
Clients can request extensions for legitimate review needs
Auto-approval protects freelancers from indefinite payment holds
4.6 Refunds and Disputes
If a dispute arises regarding deliverables or payment:
Parties should first attempt to resolve the issue directly
Either party may escalate to Platcha's dispute resolution process
Platcha will review evidence including messages, deliverables, and project terms
Platcha's decision on fund distribution is final
The 10% commission may be refunded at Platcha's discretion in cases of fraud or clear violation
Escrowed funds will be distributed according to Platcha's determination
If freelancer violated terms, full refund may be issued to client
If client violated terms, full payment may be released to freelancer
In cases of partial completion, funds may be split proportionally
Escrow Security Notice
Once funds are placed in escrow, they cannot be withdrawn or refunded except through project completion, mutual agreement, or Platcha's dispute resolution process. This protects both parties from fraud and ensures commitment to the project.
5. Prohibited Activities: Circumventing the Platform
Strictly Prohibited
Attempting to move transactions off-platform to avoid commission fees is a serious violation of these Terms and will result in immediate account termination and potential legal action.
5.1 Off-Platform Transactions
You may NOT:
Exchange contact information (email, phone, social media) to continue work privately
Request or provide payment outside of Platcha's payment system
Encourage or suggest working "directly" to avoid platform fees
Use the Platform solely to find clients/freelancers and then transact elsewhere
All messages sent through our built-in messaging system are monitored and reviewedby automated systems and human moderators. We actively look for attempts to:
Share personal contact information
Discuss payment outside the platform
Arrange off-platform work
Circumvent commission fees
Messages are NOT private. By using our messaging system, you acknowledge that your communications will be monitored for compliance purposes. Messages are retained for 6 months for dispute resolution and compliance, after which they are automatically deleted.
5.3 Penalties
Violations will result in:
First Offense: Warning and temporary account suspension
Second Offense: Permanent account termination
Severe Cases: Immediate permanent ban and pursuit of unpaid commissions
Forfeiture of any funds held in escrow
Legal action to recover lost commission revenue
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy
AI Usage Rules
Platcha has strict policies regarding the use of AI in deliverables to ensure authentic human creativity and skill. Violations will result in account termination.
6.1 General AI Prohibition
Freelancers may NOT use AI-generated content in any deliverable unless:
The client explicitly requests or approves AI usage in writing through the platform
The project description specifically states that AI-generated content is acceptable
AI-generated code (beyond the development exception below)
AI-generated music, video, or other media
AI-edited or enhanced content presented as original work
6.2 Exception: Development and Coding Projects
For software development and coding projects, AI-assisted development tools are permitted under the following conditions:
AI coding assistants (like Cursor Tab, GitHub Copilot) may be used as development aids
At least 75% (three-quarters) of the code must be written by the human developer
The developer must understand and be able to explain all code in the deliverable
AI-generated boilerplate or utility functions are acceptable if they constitute less than 25% of the codebase
The developer is fully responsible for code quality, security, and functionality
6.3 Disclosure Requirements
Freelancers must disclose any AI usage in project discussions
Clients have the right to request verification that work is human-created
Misrepresenting AI-generated content as human-created is considered fraud
6.4 Enforcement
If we determine that AI was used in violation of this policy:
The project may be subject to refund at the client's request
The freelancer's account will be suspended or terminated
The freelancer may forfeit payment for the project
Repeated violations will result in permanent ban
6.5 Rationale
This policy exists to:
Protect the integrity of freelance work and human creativity
Ensure clients receive authentic, skilled labor they're paying for
Maintain fair competition among freelancers
Preserve the value of human expertise and craftsmanship
7. Work-in-Progress (WIP) and Watermark Policy
Watermark Protection
Freelancers must watermark all work-in-progress files. Clients attempting to use watermarked content without payment is theft and will result in immediate account termination and legal action.
7.1 Freelancer Requirements
When sending progress updates or work-in-progress files, freelancers MUST:
Apply visible watermarks to all preview files
Use watermarks that are prominent enough to prevent unauthorized use
Avoid sending high-resolution or final-quality files until full payment is received
Include their username or "PLATCHA PREVIEW" in watermarks
Watermarks should be:
Large enough to be clearly visible
Positioned to prevent easy removal or cropping
Semi-transparent but still readable
Applied to multiple locations on visual work
7.2 Client Prohibitions
Clients are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from:
Using watermarked work-in-progress files for any purpose
Attempting to remove, crop, or obscure watermarks
Using AI tools to remove or reconstruct watermarked areas
Sharing watermarked files with third parties
Claiming watermarked work as final deliverables
Canceling projects after receiving watermarked previews with intent to use them
7.3 Consequences for Watermark Violations
If a client is found to have used watermarked content without proper payment:
Immediate permanent account termination
Payment of the full project amount plus 3x damages to the freelancer
Reporting to relevant authorities for copyright infringement
Legal action to recover damages and legal fees
Permanent ban from the platform with no appeal
7.4 Final Deliverables
Freelancers should only provide unwatermarked, final-quality files after:
Full payment has been confirmed and released
All project milestones have been approved
The client has formally accepted the deliverables through the platform
8. Intellectual Property Rights
8.1 Ownership of Work
Unless otherwise agreed in writing through the platform:
Freelancers retain copyright until full payment is received
Upon payment, rights transfer to the client as specified in the project agreement
Freelancers may retain portfolio rights to showcase the work
Clients receive the agreed-upon usage rights for the deliverables
8.2 Platform Content
The Platform and its original content, features, and functionality are owned by Platcha and are protected by international copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.
8.3 License to Use Platform
We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license to access and use the Platform for its intended purpose. This license does not include the right to:
Copy, modify, or create derivative works
Reverse engineer or attempt to extract source code
Remove any proprietary notices
Use automated systems to scrape or download content
9. User Conduct and Content Standards
9.1 Prohibited Content
You may not post, upload, or transmit content that:
Is illegal, harmful, threatening, abusive, or harassing
Infringes on intellectual property rights
Contains malware, viruses, or harmful code
Is pornographic or sexually explicit
Promotes violence, discrimination, or hate speech
Contains false or misleading information
Violates privacy rights of others
9.2 Professional Conduct
All users must:
Communicate respectfully and professionally
Honor commitments and deadlines
Provide honest and accurate information
Respond to messages in a timely manner
Resolve disputes through proper channels
9.3 Fraud and Misrepresentation
Users may not:
Misrepresent skills, experience, or qualifications
Use fake portfolios or stolen work samples
Create fake reviews or ratings
Manipulate the platform's algorithms or systems
Engage in bid manipulation or price fixing
9.4 Security Measures and Abuse Detection
To maintain a safe and trustworthy marketplace, Platcha employs the following security measures:
Security Notice
By using Platcha, you acknowledge and consent to the security measures described below. These measures are essential for protecting all users from fraud, abuse, and malicious activity.
Message Moderation: All messages sent through the platform are automatically reviewed by AI-powered moderation to detect and prevent:
Attempts to share contact information or move communication off-platform
Harassment, hate speech, or abusive language
Spam or fraudulent content
Violations of our Terms of Service
Device Fingerprinting: We collect a privacy-preserving device fingerprint to detect ban evasion and linked fraudulent accounts. This fingerprint:
Is generated from non-identifying technical browser characteristics
Is immediately converted to an irreversible hash—the raw data is never stored
Is used only for security purposes, not advertising or tracking
Provides signals for manual admin review only—it does not automatically block access
IP Address Hashing: We store a one-way cryptographic hash of your IP address for security purposes. The original IP address cannot be recovered from this hash.
Legal Basis: These security measures are processed under our legitimate interest in preventing fraud and maintaining platform security (GDPR Article 6(1)(f)). For full details, see our Privacy Policy.
10. Dispute Resolution
10.1 Internal Resolution Process
In case of disputes:
Parties should first attempt to resolve issues through direct communication
If unsuccessful, either party may request Platcha mediation
We will review all evidence including messages, deliverables, and project terms
Our decision on dispute resolution is final and binding
10.2 Arbitration
Any disputes that cannot be resolved through our internal process will be settled through binding arbitration rather than court litigation. You waive your right to participate in class action lawsuits.
11. Disclaimers and Limitations of Liability
11.1 Platform "As Is"
The Platform is provided "as is" and "as available" without warranties of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement.
11.2 No Guarantee of Results
Platcha does not guarantee:
The quality of work provided by freelancers
That clients will find suitable freelancers
That freelancers will find work
Uninterrupted or error-free service
That defects will be corrected
11.3 Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by law, Platcha shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, or any loss of profits or revenues, whether incurred directly or indirectly, or any loss of data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from:
Your use or inability to use the Platform
Any conduct or content of any third party on the Platform
Unauthorized access to or alteration of your data
Any other matter relating to the Platform
12. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Platcha and its officers, directors, employees, and agents from any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in any way connected with:
Your access to or use of the Platform
Your violation of these Terms
Your violation of any rights of another party
Your content or conduct on the Platform
13. Term and Termination
13.1 Term
These Terms remain in effect while you use the Platform.
13.2 Termination by You
You may terminate your account at any time by contacting us. You remain liable for all outstanding obligations.
13.3 Termination by Us
We may terminate or suspend your account immediately, without prior notice, for:
Violation of these Terms
Fraudulent or illegal activity
At our sole discretion for any or no reason
13.4 Effect of Termination
Upon termination:
Your right to use the Platform ceases immediately
Outstanding payments will be processed according to our policies
You must immediately cease using the Platform
Provisions regarding liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution survive termination
14. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. We will notify users of material changes by:
Posting the updated Terms with a new "Last updated" date
Sending email notifications to registered users
Displaying a prominent notice on the Platform
Your continued use of the Platform after changes constitute acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the changes, you must stop using the Platform.
15. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Belgium, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action or proceeding arising under these Terms will be brought exclusively in the courts located in Belgium.
16. 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 so that these Terms will otherwise remain in full force and effect.
17. Entire Agreement
These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published on the Platform, constitute the entire agreement between you and Platcha regarding your use of the Platform.
18. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms, please contact us:
Email: contact@platcha.com
Response Time: We aim to respond within 48 hours on business days.
Our Commitment to Fair Practices
These Terms are designed to create a fair, transparent, and ethical marketplace for both freelancers and clients. Our policies exist to: