Cikwa User Agreement
Last Updated: March 10, 2025
This User Agreement (“Terms”) governs your use of Cikwa, a platform registered and operated from Andhra Pradesh, India, designed to seamlessly connect Freelancers and Clients. By registering, accessing, or using Cikwa (the “Website” or “Service”), you agree to these Terms, our Privacy Policy, and all incorporated policies (collectively, the “Agreement”). Should you find any part of this Agreement unacceptable, we respectfully ask that you refrain from using the Service. Our goal is to foster a reliable and efficient environment for all Users, and your adherence to these Terms ensures that vision.
Cikwa reserves the right to update these Terms at any time to reflect changes in our operations or legal requirements. We encourage you to review them periodically, with the most recent update date clearly noted at the top for your convenience.
1. Definitions
- Website: Cikwa, accessible via CIKWA.COM or its mobile app, serves as the digital hub where Freelancers and Clients collaborate.
- Freelancer: A User offering professional services, bringing their expertise to the platform to meet Client needs.
- Client: A User seeking services, also referred to as an “Employer,” who posts opportunities for Freelancers to fulfill.
- User: Any individual or entity engaging with the Service, encompassing both Freelancers and Clients in our vibrant community.
- Project: Work posted by Clients for Freelancers to bid on or complete, forming the core of our platform’s purpose.
- Social Contact Information: Publicly visible contact details (e.g., email, social media) provided by Freelancers to facilitate direct communication, verified for authenticity.
- Verified Badge: A prestigious status earned through Cikwa’s rigorous premium verification process, signifying trustworthiness and quality.
- Escrow Account: A secure third-party system holding funds for Cikwa-mediated Projects, ensuring fair and timely payments.
- Fees: Charges imposed by third-party providers; Cikwa itself levies no service fees, keeping your costs minimal and transparent.
2. Relationship & Eligibility
2.1 Contract
Using the Service establishes a legally binding contract with Cikwa under these Terms. This agreement formalizes our mutual commitment to a productive and respectful partnership, ensuring that your participation in our platform is governed by clear expectations from the outset.
2.2 Eligibility
You must be at least 18 years old, legally capable under Indian law, and not prohibited from using similar services to register with Cikwa. By confirming your eligibility, you assure us that you meet these essential criteria, enabling us to maintain a community of responsible and qualified individuals ready to collaborate effectively.
2.3 No Agency
Cikwa does not act as your employer, agent, or partner; rather, Users operate as independent contractors unless explicitly stated otherwise. This distinction underscores your autonomy as a professional, allowing you to manage your work freely while we provide the tools and connections to support your success.
3. Accounts
3.1 Registration
You are required to register with accurate and complete information, taking full responsibility for the security of your account and all activities conducted under it. Providing truthful details helps us create a reliable platform, and safeguarding your credentials ensures that your Cikwa experience remains secure and uninterrupted.
3.2 Single Account
Each User is permitted only one account; creating multiple accounts may result in suspension. This policy promotes fairness and clarity across our platform, allowing us to maintain an organized and equitable environment where every individual has a single, distinct presence.
3.3 Verification
Cikwa may request identity validation, such as through OTP or supporting documents, to confirm your authenticity. This step is a proactive measure to uphold the integrity of our community, ensuring that all Users are genuine participants committed to our shared standards.
4. Website Use
4.1 Purpose
Cikwa exists to connect Freelancers and Clients efficiently, with Freelancers able to share verified Social Contact Information and no service fees charged by Cikwa. Our mission is to facilitate seamless professional relationships, offering you a cost-effective way to collaborate while maintaining transparency and trust.
4.2 License
Cikwa grants you a limited, non-exclusive, revocable license to use the Service in accordance with these Terms. This permission allows you to fully engage with our platform’s features, provided you adhere to our guidelines, ensuring a mutually beneficial experience that we can adjust if necessary to protect the community.
4.3 Restrictions
You must not misuse the Service, including actions such as hacking, scraping, or spamming, which undermine its functionality. These restrictions are in place to preserve the professionalism and reliability of Cikwa, fostering an environment where all Users can thrive without disruption.
5. Profile Screening & Approval
5.1 Freelancer Profiles
Checks:
- Contact: Email or phone verification via OTP to ensure accessibility.
- Integrity: A professional bio, picture, skills, and services listed to present your qualifications accurately.
- Compliance: No fake profiles or illegal content, adhering to the IT Act, 2000, to maintain legal and ethical standards.
Outcome: Approved profiles become publicly visible, showcasing your expertise to potential Clients. This process ensures that your professional presence on Cikwa is authentic and appealing, helping you connect with opportunities confidently.
5.2 Client Profiles
Checks:
- Contact: Email or phone via OTP, with optional business proof to establish credibility.
- Completeness: A bio, picture or logo, and detailed job postings to clearly communicate your needs.
- Compliance: No misleading or illegal postings, ensuring fairness and legality under applicable laws.
Outcome: Approved profiles are made public, enabling Freelancers to trust and respond to your opportunities. We review these elements to support a transparent and effective hiring process tailored to your requirements.
5.3 Management
- Public Data: Profile details, such as Social Contact Information for Freelancers, are visible upon approval to facilitate connections.
- Cikwa’s Rights: We may reject or remove non-compliant profiles without liability to uphold our platform’s quality.
This framework allows us to balance openness with oversight, ensuring that public profiles enhance collaboration while giving us the authority to maintain a high standard of professionalism across Cikwa.
6. Verified Badge Process
6.1 Freelancer Verification
Checks:
- Identity: A live selfie and ID (e.g., Aadhaar) via video call, not stored, to confirm your identity securely.
- Portfolio: A thorough review of work samples to validate your experience.
- Integrity: Checks for originality and history to ensure authenticity.
- Skills: Expert assessment of your abilities to affirm your expertise.
- Payment: Verification of your payment method for transactional reliability.
This comprehensive process awards Freelancers a Verified Badge, a mark of distinction that enhances your credibility and assures Clients of your professionalism and skill.
6.2 Client Verification
Checks:
- Identity/Business: A live selfie/ID for individuals or documents for businesses via video call, not stored, to establish legitimacy.
- History: A review of past postings to assess reliability.
- Payment: Verification of payment method and history for financial trustworthiness.
- Reputation: Feedback or online reviews, if applicable, to gauge your standing.
Clients earning a Verified Badge demonstrate their commitment to fair dealings, providing Freelancers with confidence in your intentions and capabilities.
6.3 Rules
- Eligibility: Requires your consent and adherence to our standards to participate in this optional verification.
- Revocation: The badge may be revoked for fraud or violations, without liability, to protect our community’s trust.
These guidelines ensure that the Verified Badge remains a meaningful symbol of excellence, awarded and maintained with integrity for the benefit of all Users.
7. Project Agreements
7.1 Posting
Clients post Projects, and Freelancers may bid or connect externally using Social Contact Information. This flexible approach empowers you to engage in ways that best suit your needs, whether through our platform or directly, fostering efficient and tailored collaborations.
7.2 Cikwa-Mediated Projects
- Escrow: Funds are held by a third party until agreed terms are met, ensuring security for both parties.
- Zero Fees: Cikwa charges no fees, though third-party fees apply, keeping your costs predictable.
- Terms: Governed by Project agreements and our Payment Terms Page for clarity and consistency.
For projects facilitated by Cikwa, we provide a structured process that prioritizes trust and transparency, allowing you to focus on the work while we handle the logistics.
7.3 External Projects
Projects arranged outside Cikwa’s scope carry no liability on our part. If you choose to collaborate off-platform, you retain full control and responsibility, and we support your autonomy while stepping back from oversight.
7.4 Contracts
Users form agreements directly with one another; Cikwa is not a party to these contracts. This arrangement ensures that you negotiate terms that work best for you, with Cikwa serving solely as the facilitator of your connection.
8. Payment Terms
8.1 Escrow
Clients fund Escrow Accounts for Cikwa-mediated Projects, with funds released according to agreed milestones. This system provides a secure framework, ensuring Freelancers are compensated fairly as work progresses and Clients receive the expected deliverables.
8.2 No Fees
Cikwa deducts no service fees, though Users are responsible for third-party costs. Our commitment to zero fees reflects our dedication to maximizing your value, with only external processing charges applying as necessary.
8.3 Taxes
Users are responsible for all applicable taxes (e.g., GST) under Indian law. This places tax obligations in your hands, aligning with legal requirements and allowing you to manage your financial responsibilities independently.
8.4 Non-Payment
Cikwa is not liable for payment disputes between Users. Should issues arise regarding payments, resolution rests with you, as our role remains focused on facilitating connections rather than enforcing financial agreements.
9. Disputes Between Users
9.1 Resolution
Users are expected to resolve Project disputes directly, though Cikwa may offer facilitation without obligation. We encourage open communication to address issues amicably, stepping in only as a supportive resource when requested, not as a mandatory mediator.
9.2 Process
Contact support within 30 days of an issue; Cikwa’s decisions, if provided, are final with limited liability. This streamlined process ensures timely assistance when needed, while keeping our involvement proportionate to our role as a platform provider.
10. Intellectual Property
10.1 User Content
You grant Cikwa a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, display, and distribute your profile and Project content for Service operations. This permission allows us to showcase your contributions effectively, supporting our platform’s functionality without claiming ownership of your work.
10.2 Ownership
Project deliverables transfer to Clients upon payment unless otherwise agreed; Cikwa asserts no ownership rights. This ensures that your intellectual property is respected, passing to the Client as intended while we remain a neutral facilitator.
10.3 Infringement
Infringing content is prohibited, and Cikwa may remove it and terminate accounts without liability. We uphold intellectual property laws to protect all Users, taking swift action to maintain a lawful and ethical environment on our platform.
11. Confidentiality & Privacy
11.1 User Duty
You must protect confidential data shared between Users, except as required by law. This responsibility fosters trust within our community, ensuring that sensitive information exchanged during collaborations is handled with the utmost care and respect.
11.2 Cikwa
We do not store IDs unless mandated (e.g., by the IT Act, 2000); profile data is public only with your consent. Our approach prioritizes your privacy, retaining minimal personal information while making approved profiles accessible to enhance connectivity.
11.3 Privacy Policy
Please refer to our Privacy Policy for detailed information on data handling practices. This document outlines our commitment to safeguarding your information, offering transparency and assurance about how we manage your personal details.
12. Prohibited Conduct
12.1 Rules
Users must not:
- Misrepresent identity or qualifications, which undermines trust and fairness.
- Engage in fraud, harassment, or illegal acts (e.g., IT Act, 2000 violations), jeopardizing our community’s integrity.
- Post spam, malware, or infringing content, disrupting the Service’s functionality.
- Circumvent Service processes, which compromises our operational standards.
These rules are designed to maintain a professional and respectful environment, ensuring that all interactions on Cikwa reflect our shared values of honesty and collaboration.
12.2 Enforcement
Cikwa may suspend or terminate accounts of violators without liability. This authority allows us to swiftly address breaches, protecting the platform’s quality and reliability for the benefit of all Users.
13. Termination
13.1 By Cikwa
We may suspend or terminate accounts for violations, legal reasons, or at our discretion, without liability. This provision enables us to safeguard the platform’s integrity, exercising our rights responsibly to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
13.2 By Users
You may deactivate your account via support, provided all obligations are resolved first. This option gives you control over your participation, allowing a smooth exit once your commitments are fulfilled.
13.3 Effects
Upon termination, access ceases, and Cikwa may retain data as required by law. This marks a clear end to your use of the Service, with any retained information managed in compliance with legal obligations.
14. Limitation of Liability
14.1 No Warranty
The Service is provided “as is,” without warranties for performance or availability. While we strive for excellence, this disclaimer acknowledges that occasional limitations may occur, and we offer the platform with transparency about its capabilities.
14.2 Role
Cikwa is a platform, not responsible for User actions or outcomes. Our role is to connect you, not to oversee the results of your interactions, ensuring clarity about our scope and responsibilities.
14.3 Cikwa’s Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by Indian law, Cikwa is not liable for disputes or losses from User interactions. This limitation protects us from bearing responsibility for outcomes beyond our control, aligning with legal standards.
15. Indemnity
15.1 User Duty
You agree to indemnify Cikwa from claims arising from your use, violations, or infringement. This commitment ensures that any issues stemming from your actions are your responsibility, allowing us to maintain a stable and supportive platform for all.
16. Disputes with Cikwa
16.1 Process
Contact support within 30 days of an issue; unresolved disputes will proceed to Andhra Pradesh courts or arbitration.
17. General
17.1 Governing Law
This Agreement is governed by Indian law, with Andhra Pradesh jurisdiction.
17.2 Contact Us
To contact the cikwa support team for anything please write to us at support@cikwa.com.