Frequently Asked Questions on TOS changes regarding information sharing and interviews

[Kim F]

You state: 'But when communications and work stay on the Upwork platform, not only can we track, verify, and address any issues that emerge'. It is implicit that voice and video calls are included in 'communications'.

You state that calls are not currently recorded.  Does this mean that calls will be recorded in the future and/or that Upwork employees will listen in on calls (perhaps chosen randomly)?  If this is the case how will compliance with NDAs and similar agreements be addressed? Will freelancers be informed that calls are being recorded or monitored?

[Maria T]

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Kim F wrote:

You state: 'But when communications and work stay on the Upwork platform, not only can we track, verify, and address any issues that emerge'. It is implicit that voice and video calls are included in 'communications'.

You state that calls are not currently recorded.  Does this mean that calls will be recorded in the future and/or that Upwork employees will listen in on calls (perhaps chosen randomly)?  If this is the case how will compliance with NDAs and similar agreements be addressed? Will freelancers be informed that calls are being recorded or monitored?

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Hi Kim, a direct question and a direct answer:

https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/Audio-Video-Calls-and-Privacy/m-p/756146#M461202

[Kim F]

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Maria T wrote:

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Kim F wrote:

You state: 'But when communications and work stay on the Upwork platform, not only can we track, verify, and address any issues that emerge'. It is implicit that voice and video calls are included in 'communications'.

You state that calls are not currently recorded.  Does this mean that calls will be recorded in the future and/or that Upwork employees will listen in on calls (perhaps chosen randomly)?  If this is the case how will compliance with NDAs and similar agreements be addressed? Will freelancers be informed that calls are being recorded or monitored?

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Hi Kim, a direct question and a direct answer:

https://community.upwork.com/t5/Freelancers/Audio-Video-Calls-and-Privacy/m-p/756146#M461202

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Thanks, Maria. However, the response to that thread only addresses the current situation.  It doesn't say whether recording or monitoring is planned for the future so my question stands.

[Lindsey M]

I don’t see why we can’t still use our scheduling software to schedule calls. My link does not show any contact information. It simply lets the client know when I’m available, and gives them an option of picking a date/time for the call. I still will be using mine and I guess we’ll just use the Upwork site for calls.

[Pandora H]

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Lindsey M wrote:
I don’t see why we can’t still use our scheduling software to schedule calls. My link does not show any contact information. It simply lets the client know when I’m available, and gives them an option of picking a date/time for the call. I still will be using mine and I guess we’ll just use the Upwork site for calls.

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Edit: did a test, confirmed the below:

I'd be real curious to know what scheduling software you use, because Calendly requires does require (and shows both parties) email addresses.

[Adam P]

Do you think you could just send the potential client some dates and times that work?

I’ve had hundreds of clients on Upwork and I don’t think one time I’ve ever sent them a calendar link to “grab a number”.

Not dismissing your flow for what works, but is this something that you could do manually for a little while and through conversation?

[John M]

Absolutely!

[Maria T]

17. How do I access file-sharing tools (eg, inVision, Google Drive files, Google or Facebook ad accounts) and / or private code services (eg, Github) that require an email address?
We realize that some tools and services require the sharing of an email address to gain access and have been looking into ways to make it possible for you to use those services in the future. In the meantime, please use Upwork Messages, sharing tools and code services that allow for sharing out links to the files without requiring an email address. As an alternative, you can walk through files via screenshare during an interview to help scope the project.

Same as 6. You are forcing customers to use "your" tools when until now, a combination of both "yours" and "theirs" was used with good results.
That there are people who break the rules shouldn't make us all pay it. Freelancers and clients.

[Alex T]

Please dont make upwork look liek "getafreelancer" site from 2003

[Joseph C]

Having to make audio/video calls through the Upwork platform doesn't itself bother me -- except for the inconvenience of not being able to schedule calls during clients' or my commute times (only happens about 3-5% of the time).  Sometimes, clients will have multiple people on their end for a conference call -- having to get everyone signed in and using Upwork would be an inconvenience, but not insurmountable.

What would be really appreciated is if Upwork auto-populates the start of every message channel with standard verbiage that says Freelancers are required to communicate through Upwork until a contracted project is started.  That way, we have an easy out to tell the clients by tapping the sign furiously whenever they ask.  

Just realize that these changes make using Upwork less easy.  Busy professionals do not like being inconvenienced and prevented from using best-of-breed tools for (perceived) dumb reasons.  I suspect we (collectively) will lose some work because of this.