{
  "batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
  "articles": [
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_work_product_ownership",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Rules.content",
      "summary": "Arc's terms state that all deliverables created by freelancers for clients are works-made-for-hire owned by the client upon full payment, with an assignment fallback if work-made-for-hire is not recognized.",
      "body": "Arc's terms state that all deliverables created by freelancers for clients are works-made-for-hire owned by the client upon full payment, with an assignment fallback if work-made-for-hire is not recognized.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“Under the Freelance Services, all deliverables, if any, and portions thereof, and all intermediate and partial versions thereof (the 'Work Product') created by Freelancer for a Client shall be works-made-for-hire owned by such Client upon full payment of all amounts due therefor. In the event the Work Product or any portion thereof is found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be a 'work-made-for-hire' within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, Freelancer hereby expressly assigns to Client all exclusive right, title and interest in and to the Work Product without further consideration, and free from any claim or rights of retention on the part of Freelancer.”\n\nNote: This is a major risk for freelancers: full IP transfer on payment, with express assignment fallback. No open-source licensing carve-out found in the section.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "Under the Freelance Services, all deliverables, if any, and portions thereof, and all intermediate and partial versions thereof (the 'Work Product') created by Freelancer for a Client shall be works-made-for-hire owned by such Client upon full payment of all amounts due therefor. In the event the Work Product or any portion thereof is found by a court of competent jurisdiction not to be a 'work-made-for-hire' within the meaning of the Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, Freelancer hereby expressly assigns to Client all exclusive right, title and interest in and to the Work Product without further consideration, and free from any claim or rights of retention on the part of Freelancer.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Rules.content",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_account_suspension_any_reason",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "Arc reserves the right to suspend or remove any user from the platform at any time for any or no reason, with immediate effect, and the user may not be entitled to rejoin.",
      "body": "Arc reserves the right to suspend or remove any user from the platform at any time for any or no reason, with immediate effect, and the user may not be entitled to rejoin.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“Arc may suspend or remove you from the Platform at any time for any or no reason at all, and suspension or removal will be effective immediately upon delivery of such notice. If Arc suspends or removes you from the Platform, you may not be entitled to rejoin.”\n\nNote: Extreme discretion given to platform; no cause required; no appeal process described in this section.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "Arc may suspend or remove you from the Platform at any time for any or no reason at all, and suspension or removal will be effective immediately upon delivery of such notice. If Arc suspends or removes you from the Platform, you may not be entitled to rejoin.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_identity_verification_pause_work",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Access.id",
      "summary": "Arc requires identity and payment verification and may pause a freelancer's ongoing work if the client has not provided requested verification.",
      "body": "Arc requires identity and payment verification and may pause a freelancer's ongoing work if the client has not provided requested verification.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“When requested, Clients or Freelancers must provide information about their identity and payment method to use Arc. During this time, Freelancers may be asked to pause ongoing work if the Client has not provided the requested verification to Arc.”\n\nNote: Freelancer's work can be paused due to client's failure to verify, not the freelancer's own verification status.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "When requested, Clients or Freelancers must provide information about their identity and payment method to use Arc. During this time, Freelancers may be asked to pause ongoing work if the Client has not provided the requested verification to Arc.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Access.id",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "setting_up",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "access.id",
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_hourly_rate_non_disclosure",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Rules.content",
      "summary": "Arc prohibits freelancers from disclosing their desired or hired compensation for any freelance job directly to any client, except through Arc.",
      "body": "Arc prohibits freelancers from disclosing their desired or hired compensation for any freelance job directly to any client, except through Arc.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“Under no circumstances, by any means, before, during, or after the performance of any Freelance Jobs, shall the Freelancer discuss, disclose, or otherwise communicate their desired or hired compensation for any Freelance Jobs, directly or indirectly, with any Client of Arc, except through Arc.”\n\nNote: Non-disclosure of rate applies both before, during, and after the job; violation could affect payment.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "Under no circumstances, by any means, before, during, or after the performance of any Freelance Jobs, shall the Freelancer discuss, disclose, or otherwise communicate their desired or hired compensation for any Freelance Jobs, directly or indirectly, with any Client of Arc, except through Arc.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Rules.content",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "rules.content"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_placement_fee_20_percent",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Money.fees",
      "summary": "Arc charges clients a 20% placement fee on the candidate's first year annual compensation for permanent placement, or a fixed USD 30,000 if the actual compensation cannot be determined.",
      "body": "Arc charges clients a 20% placement fee on the candidate's first year annual compensation for permanent placement, or a fixed USD 30,000 if the actual compensation cannot be determined.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“Our service fee is equal to Twenty percent (20%) of the candidate's first year's full-time annual compensation ('Placement Fee'), which is calculated as remuneration for a minimum of 40 hours per week. Should the candidate's engagement with the Client not be on a full-time basis, the Placement Fee shall increase proportionately to reflect a full-time basis. If Arc is unable to obtain a copy of the offer letter or employment contract duly executed by both the Client and the candidate to determine the amount of the Placement Fee, Arc, at its sole discretion, may set the Placement Fee at a fixed amount of Thirty Thousand United States Dollars (USD 30,000).”\n\nNote: High fee; fixed fallback of USD 30,000 if compensation cannot be verified; payable within 10 days of candidate start or 30 days of invoice.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "Our service fee is equal to Twenty percent (20%) of the candidate's first year's full-time annual compensation ('Placement Fee'), which is calculated as remuneration for a minimum of 40 hours per week. Should the candidate's engagement with the Client not be on a full-time basis, the Placement Fee shall increase proportionately to reflect a full-time basis. If Arc is unable to obtain a copy of the offer letter or employment contract duly executed by both the Client and the candidate to determine the amount of the Placement Fee, Arc, at its sole discretion, may set the Placement Fee at a fixed amount of Thirty Thousand United States Dollars (USD 30,000).",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Money.fees",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "choosing",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_arc_late_payment_fee",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Arc: Money.fees",
      "summary": "Arc imposes a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances if the client fails to pay by the due date.",
      "body": "Arc imposes a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances if the client fails to pay by the due date.\n\nWhat Arc (Peeridea, Inc.) actually says:\n\n“If the Client fails to make payment on or before the due date specified in the invoice, a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance will be incurred.”\n\nNote: 1.5% per month = 18% APR; applies to client, not freelancer.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://arc.dev/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Arc (Peeridea, Inc.)",
      "evidence_quote": "If the Client fails to make payment on or before the due date specified in the invoice, a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on the outstanding balance will be incurred.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Arc",
      "topic": "Money.fees",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Arc platform globally",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "arc",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_freelancer_com_platform_fee_australian",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Freelancer.com: Money.fees",
      "summary": "Freelancer.com charges an Australian Transaction Platform Fee of $0.75 AUD plus 0.99%.",
      "body": "Freelancer.com charges an Australian Transaction Platform Fee of $0.75 AUD plus 0.99%.\n\nWhat Freelancer International Pty Limited actually says:\n\n“A Platform Fee of $0.75 AUD + 0.99% applies to Australian Transactions. An 'Australian Transaction' means a transaction associated with Australia based on objective jurisdictional criteria determined by Freelancer, such as the user's registered country, billing country, or account jurisdiction.”\n\nNote: Fee applies to Australian transactions; other jurisdictions may have different fee structures not stated here.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/about/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Freelancer International Pty Limited",
      "evidence_quote": "A Platform Fee of $0.75 AUD + 0.99% applies to Australian Transactions. An 'Australian Transaction' means a transaction associated with Australia based on objective jurisdictional criteria determined by Freelancer, such as the user's registered country, billing country, or account jurisdiction.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Freelancer.com",
      "topic": "Money.fees",
      "applies_to_country": "Au",
      "applies_to_scope": "Australian transactions only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "au"
        ],
        "platform": "freelancer",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_freelancer_com_minimum_account_balance",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Freelancer.com: Money.payout",
      "summary": "Freelancer.com requires sellers to maintain a minimum account balance to place bids, and may impose higher thresholds for high-risk accounts, categories, or projects; falling below the threshold prevents new bids.",
      "body": "Freelancer.com requires sellers to maintain a minimum account balance to place bids, and may impose higher thresholds for high-risk accounts, categories, or projects; falling below the threshold prevents new bids.\n\nWhat Freelancer International Pty Limited actually says:\n\n“Before submitting any bid, a Seller must hold at least the 'Minimum Account Balance' (currently specified in the Fees & Charges Schedule) in their available Site wallet balance. We may, at our sole discretion, impose a higher Minimum Account Balance on: individual Sellers whose account history, verification status, or behaviour indicates elevated risk; bids placed in categories, regions, or industries that we designate as higher-risk; or bids for Projects that we classify as high-value.”\n\nNote: Threshold amount not stated in the terms page; referred to Fees & Charges Schedule which is a separate page. Existing milestone payments unaffected.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/about/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Freelancer International Pty Limited",
      "evidence_quote": "Before submitting any bid, a Seller must hold at least the 'Minimum Account Balance' (currently specified in the Fees & Charges Schedule) in their available Site wallet balance. We may, at our sole discretion, impose a higher Minimum Account Balance on: individual Sellers whose account history, verification status, or behaviour indicates elevated risk; bids placed in categories, regions, or industries that we designate as higher-risk; or bids for Projects that we classify as high-value.",
      "volatility": "medium",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Freelancer.com",
      "topic": "Money.payout",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "freelancer",
        "topic": [
          "money.payout"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_freelancer_com_off_platform_communication_penalty",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Freelancer.com: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "Freelancer.com imposes a penalty equivalent to 30% of the maximum project budget (or 30% of the agreed amount, whichever is higher) on users who communicate or transact outside the platform.",
      "body": "Freelancer.com imposes a penalty equivalent to 30% of the maximum project budget (or 30% of the agreed amount, whichever is higher) on users who communicate or transact outside the platform.\n\nWhat Freelancer International Pty Limited actually says:\n\n“Users found to be in violation of our Terms and Conditions by engaging in communications and transactions outside the platform will incur a penalty equivalent to 30% of the maximum project budget or 30% of the amount agreed upon by the involved parties, whichever is higher.”\n\nNote: This is a financial penalty on top of any account suspension; the platform takes a cut of the project value as punishment.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/about/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Freelancer International Pty Limited",
      "evidence_quote": "Users found to be in violation of our Terms and Conditions by engaging in communications and transactions outside the platform will incur a penalty equivalent to 30% of the maximum project budget or 30% of the amount agreed upon by the involved parties, whichever is higher.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Freelancer.com",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "freelancer",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_freelancer_com_indian_gst",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Freelancer.com: Money.tax",
      "summary": "Freelancer.com collects 1% GST from Indian sellers on the net value of taxable supplies made through the platform, per Indian GST laws effective October 1, 2018.",
      "body": "Freelancer.com collects 1% GST from Indian sellers on the net value of taxable supplies made through the platform, per Indian GST laws effective October 1, 2018.\n\nWhat Freelancer International Pty Limited actually says:\n\n“As of 1st of October 2018 Indian GST laws mandate a collection of 1% GST by Freelancer.com as tax on the net value of taxable supplies made by the Seller through the web portal of Freelancer. Accordingly, Freelancer shall collect a 1% tax from the net value of the taxable projects or listings made by the Buyer and will deposit the same to the Indian government exchequer in accordance with applicable GST laws.”\n\nNote: Only applies to Indian sellers; reverse charge cases exempt.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://www.freelancer.com/about/terms",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Freelancer International Pty Limited",
      "evidence_quote": "As of 1st of October 2018 Indian GST laws mandate a collection of 1% GST by Freelancer.com as tax on the net value of taxable supplies made by the Seller through the web portal of Freelancer. Accordingly, Freelancer shall collect a 1% tax from the net value of the taxable projects or listings made by the Buyer and will deposit the same to the Indian government exchequer in accordance with applicable GST laws.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Freelancer.com",
      "topic": "Money.tax",
      "applies_to_country": "In",
      "applies_to_scope": "India only",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "freelancer",
        "topic": [
          "money.tax"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_github_suspension_without_cause",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "GitHub: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "GitHub reserves the right to suspend or terminate user access to all or any part of the website at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately.",
      "body": "GitHub reserves the right to suspend or terminate user access to all or any part of the website at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately.\n\nWhat GitHub, Inc. actually says:\n\n“GitHub has the right to suspend or terminate your access to all or any part of the Website at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately. GitHub reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.”\n\nNote: Applies to all GitHub services including repository access; not specific to Jobs but relevant to freelance developers using GitHub.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.github.com/en/github/site-policy/github-terms-of-service",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "GitHub, Inc.",
      "evidence_quote": "GitHub has the right to suspend or terminate your access to all or any part of the Website at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately. GitHub reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "GitHub",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "github",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_github_dmca_repeat_infringer",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "GitHub: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "GitHub terminates the accounts of repeat infringers of its DMCA policy.",
      "body": "GitHub terminates the accounts of repeat infringers of its DMCA policy.\n\nWhat GitHub, Inc. actually says:\n\n“We will terminate the Accounts of repeat infringers of this policy.”\n\nNote: No definition of 'repeat' in the terms; number of infringements not specified.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.github.com/en/github/site-policy/github-terms-of-service",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "GitHub, Inc.",
      "evidence_quote": "We will terminate the Accounts of repeat infringers of this policy.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "GitHub",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "Us",
      "applies_to_scope": "US DMCA",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "us"
        ],
        "platform": "github",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_github_api_abuse_suspension",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "GitHub: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "GitHub may temporarily or permanently suspend a user's API access for abuse or excessively frequent requests, with a reasonable attempt to warn by email prior to suspension.",
      "body": "GitHub may temporarily or permanently suspend a user's API access for abuse or excessively frequent requests, with a reasonable attempt to warn by email prior to suspension.\n\nWhat GitHub, Inc. actually says:\n\n“Abuse or excessively frequent requests to GitHub via the API may result in the temporary or permanent suspension of your Account's access to the API. GitHub, in our sole discretion, will determine abuse or excessive usage of the API. We will make a reasonable attempt to warn you via email prior to suspension.”\n\nNote: API access suspension can affect automated workflows and bots used by freelance developers.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.github.com/en/github/site-policy/github-terms-of-service",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "GitHub, Inc.",
      "evidence_quote": "Abuse or excessively frequent requests to GitHub via the API may result in the temporary or permanent suspension of your Account's access to the API. GitHub, in our sole discretion, will determine abuse or excessive usage of the API. We will make a reasonable attempt to warn you via email prior to suspension.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "GitHub",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "github",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_github_billing_overdue_interest",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "GitHub: Money.fees",
      "summary": "GitHub charges 1.0% per month interest on past-due amounts and may terminate the applicable order form if invoiced fees are not paid within 30 days.",
      "body": "GitHub charges 1.0% per month interest on past-due amounts and may terminate the applicable order form if invoiced fees are not paid within 30 days.\n\nWhat GitHub, Inc. actually says:\n\n“User must pay the fees within thirty (30) days of the GitHub invoice date. Amounts payable under this Agreement are non-refundable, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. If User fails to pay any fees on time, GitHub reserves the right, in addition to taking any other action at law or equity, to (i) charge interest on past due amounts at 1.0% per month or the highest interest rate allowed by law, whichever is less, and to charge all expenses of recovery, and (ii) terminate the applicable order form.”\n\nNote: 18% APR equivalent; applies to invoiced users; expenses of recovery also charged.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://docs.github.com/en/github/site-policy/github-terms-of-service",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "GitHub, Inc.",
      "evidence_quote": "User must pay the fees within thirty (30) days of the GitHub invoice date. Amounts payable under this Agreement are non-refundable, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. If User fails to pay any fees on time, GitHub reserves the right, in addition to taking any other action at law or equity, to (i) charge interest on past due amounts at 1.0% per month or the highest interest rate allowed by law, whichever is less, and to charge all expenses of recovery, and (ii) terminate the applicable order form.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "GitHub",
      "topic": "Money.fees",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Invoiced users",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "running",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "github",
        "topic": [
          "money.fees"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    },
    {
      "id": "learn_r1008_freelance_programming_risks_stackoverflow_repeat_infringer_suspension",
      "category": "Safety",
      "title": "Stack Overflow: Rules.enforcement",
      "summary": "Stack Overflow reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate the account of any user who is the subject of repeated valid DMCA takedown notices.",
      "body": "Stack Overflow reserves the right to immediately suspend or terminate the account of any user who is the subject of repeated valid DMCA takedown notices.\n\nWhat Stack Exchange, Inc. actually says:\n\n“We also reserve the right, at our discretion, to immediately suspend or terminate the account of any user who is the subject of repeated valid takedown notices.”\n\nNote: Applies to Jobs and public network; 'repeated' not defined; 'valid' determined by Stack Overflow's discretion.",
      "source_type": "official",
      "source_link": "https://stackoverflow.com/legal/terms-of-service/public",
      "last_verified": "2026-09-30",
      "reliability": "STRONG PRACTICE",
      "source_tier": "A",
      "source_publisher": "Stack Exchange, Inc.",
      "evidence_quote": "We also reserve the right, at our discretion, to immediately suspend or terminate the account of any user who is the subject of repeated valid takedown notices.",
      "volatility": "low",
      "from_batch": "1008-freelance-programming-risks",
      "subject": "Stack Overflow",
      "topic": "Rules.enforcement",
      "applies_to_country": "*",
      "applies_to_scope": "Global",
      "tags": {
        "lane": "any",
        "stage": "trouble",
        "region": [
          "any"
        ],
        "platform": "stackoverflow",
        "topic": [
          "rules.enforcement",
          "safety.legal"
        ],
        "explicitness": "any"
      }
    }
  ]
}