Why do I need to add my address to Upwork?

[bethsheahan]

Why is it necessary to add your address yo upwork? It feels like a security concern.

[petra_r]

Nobody other than Upwork can see your address and make sure it is accurate so it matches your Social Security Number and W9 details, which you will also be required to enter.

[jojomo]

Hi Elizabeth,

You should also be aware that Upwork WILL communicate your address to a client if they ask for it during an unresolved dispute. This is MY biggest concern. I don't believe that personal information should be shared with clients but apparently Upwork can do that if no resolution is found to a dispute and the client wants to take it a step further and take legal action.

[firescue17]

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@Joëlle O wrote:

Hi Elizabeth,

You should also be aware that Upwork WILL communicate your address to a client if they ask for it during an unresolved dispute. This is MY biggest concern. I don't believe that personal information should be shared with clients ...

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Freelancing is a business. When one starts a business, they become an entity. It doesn't matter if the business is a sole proprietorship, LLC, or some other formation. Telecommuting from home in one's pajamas doesn't change that. Every business is subject to disclosure to their clients in the event of a legal matter.

Can you imagine if the local grocery store, mechanic, or Walmart tried to hide their existence?

[jojomo]

Certainly except you are comparing Apples and oranges here... If i were to work DIRECTLY with the client, then I would understand sharing such information. However, we are going through a third-party (in this case, Upwork) and they are supposed to act as a mediator in the cases of disputes, so I have to disagree with you there.

So while I am not arguing the fact that we should share this information with Upwork, I don't think it's right for Upwork to share any of our information with the client in the event of a dispute.... 

[petra_r]

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@Joëlle O wrote:

Certainly except you are comparing Apples and oranges here... If i were to work DIRECTLY with the client, then I would understand sharing such information. However, we are going through a third-party (in this case, Upwork) and they are supposed to act as a mediator in the cases of disputes, so I have to disagree with you there.

So while I am not arguing the fact that we should share this information with Upwork, I don't think it's right for Upwork to share any of our information with the client in the event of a dispute.... 

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 Joelle, with all due respect, your contract is between you and the client. Period. And partners in a legally binding contractual relationship do have the right to those details in every legislation I am aware of.

[jojomo]

Petra,

I can agree with you to some extent and I will not get into the nitty gritty of what happened in this specific case. I was just letting the OP know that UpWork will share that information with the client if need be. 🙂

[bobafett999]

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@Petra R wrote:

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 Joelle, with all due respect, your contract is between you and the client. Period. And partners in a legally binding contractual relationship do have the right to those details in every legislation I am aware of.

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 So on a flip side, can freelancers also request that information?

[elastella]

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@Prashant P wrote:

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@Petra R wrote:

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 Joelle, with all due respect, your contract is between you and the client. Period. And partners in a legally binding contractual relationship do have the right to those details in every legislation I am aware of.

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 So on a flip side, can freelancers also request that information?

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Generally, yes. But experience shows that some clients won't give it to you and Upwork (in some cases) won't either, even if you (as a provider) are required by law to provide it to your local tax authority.

[firescue17]

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@Joëlle O wrote:

Certainly except you are comparing Apples and oranges here... 

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 Nope. I am comparing businesses to businesses.

[bobafett999]

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@Steven E. L wrote:

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 Nope. I am comparing businesses to businesses.

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 No you are comparing apples to lemons.

[7eb35d0c]

Yes but there is an obvious difference when you are a business with no storefront. If I owned a grocery store, a mechanic shop or a Walmart, my clients wouldn’t know where my children sleep.

[aocumen]

Thank you for participating in this thread, Jason. 

I would like to note that this thread is from two years ago, although I understand how this topic may be important to some users. Please know that your address is will not be accessible to other users of the Upwork website, and your information is secure. You may refer to our Privacy Policy here. Users may also be required to verify their location, and as such, we will be needing accurate information about you to verify your account/identity/location. 

[bd50a883]

Thank you.

[bd50a883]

I would expect that Upwork would also provide the client's information to the freelancer as well if this is the process when there is a dispute.

[firescue17]

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@Elizabeth H wrote:

Why is it necessary to add your address yo upwork? It feels like a security concern.

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 Because U.S. anti-money laundering regulations require it. The same reason one needs to provide their address to their bank, credit card company, PayPal, and other quasi-financial institutions.

[bobafett999]

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@Steven E. L wrote:

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@Elizabeth H wrote:

Why is it necessary to add your address yo upwork? It feels like a security concern.

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 Because U.S. anti-money laundering regulations require it. The same reason one needs to provide their address to their bank, credit card company, PayPal, and other quasi-financial institutions.

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 Is Upwork also collecting similar information from the buyers?

[aocumen]

Hi Prashant, 

You may want to read up on our Privacy Policy and read more about the section that discusses the information you provide to us, and the information collected from users, in detail. 

[55ad316e]

It's fine. Don't worry about it.Mam your data is safe.