Platform Policies

Review CloudColleague’s Acceptable Use Policy, Client Terms, and Professional Guidelines to understand your responsibilities, rights, and platform standards.

Last Updated: 30 March 2026

Contents

1. Purpose

This Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP") outlines prohibited behaviours on CloudColleague. It supplements our Terms of Service. By using CloudColleague, you agree to comply with this AUP.

Violations may result in immediate account suspension, permanent termination, and reporting to relevant authorities where applicable.

2. Prohibited Activities

2.1 Fraudulent and Deceptive Practices

Prohibited ActivityExamplesRelevant Australian Law
Fake ListingsPosting jobs, tasks, or services that do not exist; collecting applications without intent to engageAustralian Consumer Law (misleading conduct)
Pyramid SchemesMulti-level marketing disguised as genuine work opportunitiesCompetition and Consumer Act 2010
Upfront FeesCharging Professionals for access to work, training, or application processingFair Trading Acts (state/territory)
Identity TheftImpersonating a person, business, or organisationCriminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)
Fake ReviewsPosting false, paid, or manipulated reviewsAustralian Consumer Law

2.2 Payment Violations (Strictly Prohibited)

Prohibited ActivityExamplesConsequence
Off-Platform PaymentsTaking payments outside CloudColleague to avoid feesImmediate account termination
Contact Sharing to Bypass PlatformPosting email, phone, or external links in listings or messages to arrange off-platform paymentImmediate account termination
Chargeback AbuseFiling fraudulent chargebacks after receiving servicesAccount suspension, permanent ban
Escrow CircumventionPressuring other users to release escrow funds before work is completedAccount suspension, loss of dispute protection

2.3 Spam and Automation

Prohibited ActivityExamplesRelevant Australian Law
Bulk ApplicationsSubmitting the same application to hundreds of listingsSpam Act 2003
Automated ScrapingUsing bots to extract user data, listings, or platform contentCopyright Act 1968 (Cth)
Unsolicited MessagingContacting users for purposes unrelated to legitimate workSpam Act 2003

2.4 Discrimination and Harassment

Prohibited ActivityExamplesRelevant Australian Law
DiscriminationListings or hiring decisions excluding protected attributes such as race, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or marital statusFair Work Act 2009 (Cth), state anti-discrimination laws
HarassmentThreats, stalking, abusive language, or unwanted contactState criminal laws
Sexual ContentExplicit material or unwanted romantic advancesSex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth)

2.5 Illegal Content and Activities

Prohibited ActivityExamplesRelevant Australian Law
Illegal ServicesListings involving human trafficking, drug distribution, unlicensed financial services, or prohibited goodsModern Slavery Act 2018, Criminal Code Act 1995
Unpaid WorkRequesting free trial work without a lawful and transparent arrangementFair Work Act 2009 (Cth)
MalwareUploading viruses, ransomware, or harmful codeCriminal Code Act 1995 (Cth)

3. Reporting Violations

If you encounter a violation of this AUP, report it immediately.

Email: support@cloudcolleague.com

Subject: “AUP Violation – [Brief Description]”

Please include:

  • Your name and account details
  • Description of the violation
  • Links or screenshots of the offending content
  • Any relevant communication

External Reporting

  • Scams: Report to SCAMwatch (operated by ACCC) at www.scamwatch.gov.au
  • Consumer Issues: Report to your state or territory fair trading office
  • Criminal Activity: Report to Australian Federal Police or state police

4. Consequences of Violation

Violation SeverityAction
Minor (first-time)Warning, content removal, temporary feature restriction
ModerateTemporary account suspension (7–30 days), removal of listings, forfeiture of fees
Severe or RepeatPermanent account termination, forfeiture of all fees, reporting to authorities
Criminal ActivityImmediate permanent ban, referral to law enforcement
Strict Enforcement: Off-platform payment violations will result in immediate permanent termination without exception.

5. No Waiver

Our failure to enforce any provision of this AUP does not constitute a waiver of our right to enforce it later.

6. Contact

For AUP-related inquiries: support@cloudcolleague.com

1. Scope

These Client Terms ("Client Terms") apply to individuals and organisations posting listings, including jobs, tasks, projects, or service requests, on CloudColleague. They supplement our Terms of Service.

2. Listing Requirements

2.1 Accuracy

Clients must ensure all listings are:

  • Genuine and reflect actual work requirements
  • Accurately describe duties, qualifications, compensation, and location
  • Free from misleading or deceptive conduct under the Australian Consumer Law

2.2 Compensation

  • For employment-style listings, salary or wage range must be disclosed where required by law
  • For task-based listings, fixed price or hourly rate must be clearly stated
  • Commission-only listings must clearly disclose the compensation structure

2.3 Compliance with Australian Laws

LegislationKey Requirements
Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth)National Employment Standards, modern awards, unfair dismissal provisions
Anti-Discrimination LawsDiscrimination prohibited under federal and state laws
Work Health and Safety Act 2011Duty to provide safe workplace
Migration Act 1958 (Cth)Verification of right to work
Modern Slavery Act 2018 (Cth)Reporting requirements for large employers
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth)Handling of candidate personal information
Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992Payment of superannuation for employees

2.4 Prohibited Listings

Clients may not post listings that:

  • Require upfront payment from Professionals
  • Are commission-only without salary disclosure
  • Involve illegal activities
  • Discriminate against protected attributes
  • Misrepresent the nature of the engagement, such as misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor

3. Fees and Payments

3.1 Fee Structure

Clients agree to pay all fees associated with:

  • Listings, including job posts and task posts
  • Featured or promoted listings
  • Subscription plans
  • Transaction fees, where applicable

All fees are displayed in Australian Dollars (AUD) and are inclusive of GST unless stated otherwise. A tax invoice will be provided for all taxable supplies.

3.2 Payment Terms

  • Payments are processed via Stripe
  • Clients authorise us to charge the provided payment method
  • Fees are non-refundable except as provided in our Refund Policy
  • Stripe processing fees will be deducted from any refunds issued where applicable

3.3 GST

CloudColleague is registered for GST (ABN: 92 694 085 151). Tax invoices will be issued for all taxable supplies. Clients with an ABN may be eligible for GST credits.

4. Escrow (Active)

For applicable transactions, CloudColleague offers escrow protection.

How Escrow Works

  • Client deposits funds into escrow
  • Funds are held securely
  • Professional completes the work
  • Funds are released when:
  • Client confirms completion
  • No dispute is raised within the agreed period
  • A dispute resolution outcome directs release in accordance with our process

Disputes

  • If a dispute arises, funds remain in escrow until resolution
  • CloudColleague may assist with dispute resolution as a neutral facilitator
  • Any release of escrow funds is handled in accordance with our dispute process

5. Candidate Interactions

5.1 Communication

  • Respond to applications in a timely manner
  • Provide accurate information about the hiring process
  • Respect candidate privacy and confidentiality

5.2 Sensitive Information

Clients must not request sensitive personal information such as TFN, bank account details, or driver’s licence information during initial application stages. Such information may only be collected after a conditional offer or engagement, where appropriate and lawful.

5.3 Background Checks

  • Obtain explicit written consent from the candidate
  • Comply with the Privacy Act and any relevant state legislation
  • Provide adverse action notices if required

5.4 Off-Platform Engagement Prohibition

Clients must not:

  • Engage Professionals outside the platform to avoid fees
  • Share contact information in listings or messages for off-platform arrangements
  • Request Professionals to accept payment outside CloudColleague
Violation of this rule may result in immediate account termination.

6. Account Management

6.1 Multiple Users

Clients may create multiple user accounts under a single business profile. The primary account holder is responsible for all activities conducted under that profile.

6.2 Account Suspension

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate client accounts for:

  • Violation of these Client Terms
  • Excessive complaints from Professionals
  • Fraudulent or abusive behaviour
  • Non-payment of fees
  • Off-platform payment attempts

7. Indemnification

Clients agree to indemnify CloudColleague from any claims arising from:

  • Their listings
  • Their hiring or engagement practices
  • Their handling of candidate data
  • Violation of employment or anti-discrimination laws

8. Contact

For questions regarding Client Terms: support@cloudcolleague.com

1. Scope

These Professional Guidelines ("Guidelines") provide best practices for individuals and businesses offering services or applying for opportunities on CloudColleague.

2. Creating Your Profile

2.1 Honest Representation

Your profile is your professional representation. You agree to provide:

  • Accurate work history, including dates, job titles, and responsibilities
  • Truthful educational credentials
  • Genuine skills and qualifications
  • Accurate availability and location
Consequences of Misrepresentation: False information may result in account termination and may be reported to other users where appropriate.

2.2 Profile Completeness

Complete profiles generally receive more attention. We recommend including:

  • Professional photo (optional)
  • Detailed work experience with achievements
  • Skills and certifications
  • Portfolio links, where applicable

3. Applying and Bidding

3.1 Quality Over Quantity

  • Apply only to listings that match your qualifications
  • Customise applications and bids
  • Avoid submitting the same application to hundreds of listings, as this may be flagged as spam

3.2 Professional Communication

  • Use professional language in messages to Clients
  • Respond promptly to inquiries
  • If you accept another engagement, withdraw your application or notify the Client

4. Work and Service Delivery

4.1 Meeting Commitments

  • Deliver work as described in your application or bid
  • Meet agreed deadlines
  • Communicate promptly if delays arise

4.2 Professional Conduct

  • Treat Clients with respect
  • Do not share confidential information without permission
  • Maintain any licences or insurance required for your work

5. Safety Guidelines

5.1 Red Flags to Watch For

Red FlagWhat to Do
Client asks for money upfrontDo not pay; report immediately
Unsolicited offer with no interview or screeningVerify Client legitimacy
Requests for TFN or bank details before engagementOnly provide after official engagement, where lawful and necessary
Vague listing detailsAsk for clarification before applying
Pressure to work before payment is securedUse escrow for protection
Requests to take payment outside platformDecline and report immediately

5.2 How to Report

If you encounter suspicious activity:

  • Use the “Report” button on listings or profiles
  • Email support@cloudcolleague.com
  • Report scams to SCAMwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au

6. Escrow Protection

For applicable transactions, CloudColleague offers escrow protection.

To protect yourself:

  • Confirm the scope of work is clearly defined before starting
  • Communicate progress through the platform
  • Raise any dispute before the release period expires
  • Do not release escrow funds until work is complete to your satisfaction

7. Off-Platform Payment Prohibition

Strict Prohibition: You must not accept payment outside CloudColleague.

Why:

  • You lose dispute protection
  • You may be exposed to scams
  • Violation may result in immediate account termination

If a Client asks you to accept payment outside the platform:

8. Right to Work in Australia

If you are seeking work in Australia:

  • You are responsible for ensuring you have the legal right to work
  • Employers may request evidence such as an Australian passport, visa, or birth certificate
  • CloudColleague does not provide migration or visa advice

9. Privacy Settings

You control your privacy through available account settings.

SettingOptions
Profile VisibilityPublic (visible to all Clients) or Private (visible only when you apply)
Contact InformationDisplay email and phone or hide until engagement
Application VisibilityControl who sees your applications

10. Dispute Resolution

If a dispute arises with a Client:

  • Communicate directly through the platform
  • If unresolved, use the dispute assistance feature
  • For escrow transactions, funds remain held until resolution
  • CloudColleague may assist as a neutral facilitator

CloudColleague does not resolve:

  • Employment classification disputes
  • Unpaid wages claims outside escrow
  • Legal matters requiring a court or tribunal

11. Contact

For questions or assistance: support@cloudcolleague.com