SPOTLITE Platform Policy (1): Understanding Bypass Behavior and Account Suspension
Thank you to all users who đź’ś love Spotlite.
Today, we’d like to introduce our bypass policy, a key policy you need to know when using our service.
What is a bypass?
A bypass refers to actions where a client and a model conduct transactions outside the Spotlite platform for a job accepted through the platform. This is often done to avoid platform fees or potential legal responsibilities.
Specific examples include the following actions after a model [accepts] a casting request sent through the platform:
Requesting an offline meeting (casting) outside the platform
🙅‍♀️
"Thank you for your efforts in today’s casting, [OOO]! We’d like to finalize the shoot, but would it be possible to proceed directly without using Spotlite? We’ll just cancel the request on the platform."
Contacting via other channels, such as Instagram, to avoid completing the booking through the platform
🙅‍♀️
"Hi [OOO]! This is [XXXX] from Spotlite. I’m reaching out via Instagram as shared. Could we agree on a direct payment of 1,000,000 KRW without the platform fee? We’ll make sure to pay you promptly!"
Why is bypassing an issue?
Bypassing the Spotlite platform and dealing directly with clients can lead to the following problems:
The shoot may proceed under conditions different from the original agreement.
For jobs not finalized on the Spotlite platform, Spotlite cannot guarantee terms like copyright duration, usage scope, or copyright fees.There is a risk of incomplete or missing contracts.
Without confirmation through Spotlite, proper documentation of agreed terms may be missing, leaving both parties unprotected.For clients, this also means there’s no recourse if a model arrives at the shoot unprepared (e.g., with altered hair), is late, or fails to show up without a proper contract.
Spotlite cannot guarantee payment.
Spotlite provides a fast payment system where clients’ payments are processed within 30 business days after the shoot, and models are paid within 1-2 business days.For jobs not finalized through the platform, Spotlite cannot assist with payment requests or issues.
Spotlite provides a safe and transparent system for both models and clients:
Digital contracts: Manage all procedures transparently while protecting the rights of both parties.
Dedicated CX managers: Provide expert support when communication issues arise on the platform.
What actions are taken for policy violations?
According to Spotlite’s Terms of Use Article 7, Section 1, bypassing—entering into contracts for work outside the platform after connecting through Spotlite—is considered a policy violation. It may result in penalties under Article 16, which include the following measures:
First Violation
For models: Account suspension for 14 days (2 weeks) with a policy briefing.
For clients: Account suspension for 3 months with a policy briefing.
Example of a notification message:
Dear [Client/Model Name],
We have identified bypassing activity in relation to your recent booking request on Spotlite. Please find the relevant policy violation details below:
Terms of Use Article 7, Section 1:
Conducting contracts for work outside the platform after connecting through Spotlite.Second Violation
If bypassing is identified a second time, accounts may be permanently suspended without prior warning.This penalty applies globally across all Spotlite platforms in every operating country.
Re-registration with the same credentials will be restricted.
How does Spotlite monitor bypass activity?
Spotlite monitors activity monthly by reviewing booking records and publicly available results from client projects.
Monitoring scope: [Accepted requests] that were later [canceled] or [expired]
Verification method: Checking client websites and published project results
To maintain a safe and transparent community, please:
Report immediately if a client proposes bypassing Spotlite through external channels (e.g., direct contact, social media).
Notify Spotlite if a model tries to avoid contractual obligations after accepting a request.
Spotlite will continue striving to provide a trustworthy environment for both models and clients. Please adhere to the Terms of Use to ensure the community’s healthy growth!