Terms of Service
Last updated: April 21, 2026
Please read these Terms of Service carefully before using the DeLance platform. These terms govern your access to and use of the decentralized freelance marketplace operating on the Internet Computer Protocol.
1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing or using DeLance ("the Platform"), you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use the Platform. DeLance is a decentralized protocol — use of the Platform is voluntary and at your own discretion.
2. Description of Service
DeLance is a decentralized freelance marketplace running on the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP). The Platform facilitates connections between clients (job posters) and freelancers (service providers). All job contracts, escrow transactions, and reputation data are managed by on-chain smart canisters. DeLance does not act as a party to any contract between clients and freelancers.
3. Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years of age to use the Platform. By using DeLance, you represent and warrant that you have the legal capacity to enter into binding agreements. You are responsible for ensuring your use of the Platform complies with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
4. Internet Identity & Accounts
Access to DeLance is via Internet Identity (II), a passwordless authentication system provided by DFINITY Foundation and operating independently of DeLance. Your DeLance identity is tied to your II principal — you are solely responsible for securing your II credentials. DeLance has no ability to recover lost II access.
5. Escrow & Payments
Funds deposited into DeLance's on-chain escrow ("The Vault") are held by a smart canister, not by DeLance or any centralized entity. A platform fee of 2.5% is deducted from each milestone or hourly release — not on deposit. Payments are denominated in ICP cycles or tokens as configured. DeLance is not a licensed financial institution and does not provide financial services. You use the escrow system at your own risk.
6. Freelancer & Client Responsibilities
Clients are responsible for posting accurate job descriptions and funding escrow before work begins. Freelancers are responsible for submitting truthful Proof-of-Work Logs and delivering the services agreed upon. Both parties are responsible for their conduct on the Platform and for resolving disputes in good faith within the 72-hour clearance window.
7. Prohibited Conduct
You agree not to: (a) use the Platform for fraudulent, illegal, or deceptive purposes; (b) attempt to manipulate reputation scores or escrow mechanisms; (c) harass, threaten, or abuse other users; (d) submit false or misleading Proof-of-Work documentation; (e) attempt to circumvent the Platform's canister-enforced rules; or (f) use the Platform to process payments for illegal goods or services.
8. Disputes
Disputes between clients and freelancers must be raised within the 72-hour clearance window following job completion. Disputes are handled on-chain through the Platform's dispute mechanism. DeLance facilitates the process but does not arbitrate or guarantee outcomes. Final resolution is determined by the on-chain protocol rules.
9. Fees & Protocol Revenue
The Platform charges a 2.5% fee on each escrow release. This fee is deducted automatically by the on-chain canister and routed to the protocol treasury. By using the Platform, you consent to this fee structure. Fees are non-refundable once a release transaction is confirmed on-chain.
10. Intellectual Property
You retain ownership of all work product you create and deliver through the Platform. By posting content, you grant DeLance a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to display that content within the Platform for operational purposes. DeLance does not claim ownership over your deliverables, portfolio items, or profile content.
11. Disclaimers
THE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND. DELANCE MAKES NO WARRANTIES REGARDING UPTIME, ACCURACY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. BECAUSE THE PLATFORM RUNS ON A DECENTRALIZED PROTOCOL, DELANCE CANNOT GUARANTEE UNINTERRUPTED ACCESS OR REVERSE ON-CHAIN TRANSACTIONS.
12. Limitation of Liability
TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, DELANCE SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING LOSS OF FUNDS, DATA, OR REPUTATION ARISING FROM YOUR USE OF THE PLATFORM.
13. Changes to Terms
DeLance reserves the right to modify these Terms at any time. Material changes will be communicated via the Platform. Continued use of the Platform after changes constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.
14. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with applicable law. Any disputes arising under these Terms shall be resolved through good-faith negotiation, or as otherwise required by applicable law.
15. Contact
For questions about these Terms, please use the support chat widget available within the Platform after login.