Via Hive — Independent Contractor Agreement
Document ID: VH-ICA-2025-R14 (Titanium Next Edition)
Effective Date: October 26 2025 Next Review: October 2026
Jurisdiction: Miami-Dade County (Florida, USA) | Worldwide Applicability
Incorporated By Reference Into: Provider Terms of Use (VH-PTU-2025-R13) · Legal Overview (VH-LO-2025-R8) · Privacy Policy (VH-PP-2025-R17) · Safety & Security Policy (VH-SSP-2025) · Deactivation & Appeals (VH-PDA-2025)
Header Note / Aviso: English version controls · Spanish translation available upon request
1 · Parties
Agreement between Via The Hive LLC (“Company,” “Via Hive”) and the undersigned Service Provider (“Contractor,” “Provider”).
2 · Relationship of the Parties
Provider acts as an independent contractor, not an employee, agent, or joint-venturer. Provider independently determines the means, methods, and timing of services performed through the Via Hive platform.
3 · Eligibility & Verification
3.1 Identity & Background Checks — Verification via Checkr or equivalent vendor, including SSN, ID, license, and criminal screening.
3.2 Biometric Verification — Facial-recognition or selfie-match data used for identity authentication; templates deleted ≤ 30 days post-verification.
3.3 Business & Tax Validation — Providers must submit EIN, trade license, and proof of registration if acting as a business.
3.4 Bank Verification — Stripe Connect validates payout accounts prior to release of funds.
3.5 Training & Credential Verification — Participation in the Provider Training & Credential System (VH-TCS-2025) and acknowledgment of the Provider SOP Library is mandatory for specific categories.
3.6 Failure to Verify — Refusal or failure to complete any verification suspends paid features and may terminate this Agreement.
4 · Contractor Obligations
Maintain all licenses, permits, and insurance; provide own tools; comply with laws, codes, and Via Hive policies; deliver lawful, safe, and professional services.
4.1 Safety & Conduct
Provider must follow the Via Hive Safety & Security Policy (VH-SSP-2025) covering anti-harassment, discrimination, violence, intoxication, and hazard-prevention rules. Violations may result in immediate deactivation.
5 · Payments & Escrow
All compensation flows through Via Hive Escrow powered by Stripe Connect upon verified job completion. No wages, overtime, or employee benefits apply. Platform fees appear in PTU Appendix A. Via Hive may withhold amounts required by law or court order.
6 · Taxes & Record Retention
Provider is responsible for all tax liabilities. Via Hive or Stripe may issue Form 1099-K. Records must be retained ≥ five (5) years for IRS and audit compliance.
7 · Non-Exclusivity & Anti-Circumvention
Provider may work elsewhere but must not contact or transact with Via Hive Clients off-platform for 12 months after initial contact. Breach constitutes grounds for termination and liquidated damages equal to lost fees.
8 · Confidentiality & Data Security
All non-public information about Via Hive, Clients, or Affiliates is confidential. Provider must implement technical and organizational safeguards and report any incident within 24 hours.
9 · Data Protection & Privacy
Comply with the Via Hive Global Privacy Policy (VH-PP-2025-R17) and laws including GDPR, CPRA, FCRA, AML/KYC, EEO, FCPA, UK Bribery Act, and CAN-SPAM. Personal data may be processed only for authorized purposes.
9.1 Fraud & Misuse
Submitting false documents, insurance, or GPS logs is fraud. Via Hive may deactivate accounts, withhold funds, and refer cases to law enforcement.
9.2 Cross-Border Compliance Notice
Data of international Providers may be transferred to approved AWS regions (US-East-1, US-West-2, EU-Central-1) under SCCs, UK IDTA, and LGPD Articles 33-35. All vendors undergo ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Type II audits.
10 · AI & Automation Disclosure
AI-assisted tools support matching and fraud detection under human supervision. Manual review is available upon request.
10.1 AI Monitoring Consent
Provider consents to performance analytics and fraud monitoring performed by Via Hive’s AI systems to ensure trust and safety. No personal data is sold or used for third-party advertising.
11 · Intellectual Property
Client owns deliverables after payment. Via Hive retains ownership of software, algorithms, trade secrets, and brand assets. Provider grants Via Hive a royalty-free license to display portfolio media (with consent) and warrants all uploads are lawfully owned or licensed. Provider indemnifies Via Hive against infringement claims.
12 · Insurance & Indemnification
Maintain liability coverage ≥ USD 1 million per occurrence and upload Certificate of Insurance (COI) annually. Via Hive may auto-verify coverage through approved carrier APIs to confirm validity. Provider indemnifies Via Hive and Xuptech LLC against claims arising from services or conduct.
13 · Conflict of Interest
Provider must disclose any personal or financial interest that could create a conflict of interest.
14 · Term & Termination
Effective while Provider uses the platform. Either party may terminate at any time. Sections 4–12 and 16–25 survive termination.
15 · Deactivation & Appeals
Via Hive may deactivate accounts per VH-PDA-2025 for fraud, safety violations, or non-compliance. Provider may appeal within seven (7) days to [email protected].
16 · Force Majeure
Neither party is liable for delays caused by events beyond reasonable control (e.g., disasters, war, pandemics, government orders).
17 · Assignment & Successors
Via Hive may assign this Agreement to Xuptech LLC or its successors. Provider may not assign without written consent.
18 · Notices & Electronic Communications
Official notices may be sent by email, secure portal, or in-app notification and are deemed delivered upon receipt.
19 · Arbitration & Governing Law
Disputes resolved by binding arbitration in Miami-Dade County under AAA or JAMS rules. Florida law governs without regard to conflict-of-law principles.
20 · Audit & Digital Verification
All signatures and key events time-stamped with IP, device ID, and GeoTag and stored with AES-256 encryption in AWS GovCloud. Records retained ≥ 5 years under SOC 2 Type II controls.
21 · Accessibility & Language
Via Hive meets ADA / WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Alternative formats and Spanish translations available upon request. The English version controls.
22 · Certification & Compliance
Via Hive is audited under ISO 27701 (Privacy Mgmt), ISO 42001 (AI Gov), and SOC 2 Type II. Providers must maintain comparable security standards and cooperate with compliance audits.
23 · Updates & Acceptance
This Agreement may be updated periodically. Continued platform use or job acceptance after an update constitutes acceptance. Version archive → /legal/version-control.
24 · Smart Contract Clause
Via Hive may deploy this Agreement as a blockchain-secured smart contract. Provider acknowledges and consents to future digital execution and storage for proof-of-work and escrow tracking purposes.
25 · ESG & Human Rights Commitment
Via Hive adheres to the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and ILO Labor Standards. Providers must avoid forced or child labor and uphold ethical practices.
26 · Entire Agreement
This Agreement and its incorporated policies constitute the entire understanding between the parties and supersede all prior communications. No oral modifications are valid without Via Hive’s written consent.