I'm a beginner programmer, familiar with HTML, CSS, JS, a bit of Python, and currently studying C++. About six months ago, I met someone online who claims to own a company specializing in website and Android app development. A month ago, he offered me a job to create a website as a "test" project. He mentioned that I would receive 60% of the profit as payment. The task was to build a website for a company with whom he had an agreement. I completed the job on his hosting platform, but unfortunately, he hasn't paid me the promised 60%, which amounts to $800. As a novice programmer, this amount means a lot to me. Initially, he explained that the company refused to pay due to financial issues. Then, he disappeared from the internet for a week and didn't answer any calls. Frustrated, I decided to remove the website from the hosting platform. Surprisingly, two days later, he reappeared, claiming that he received payment from the company and asked for the website to be restored.

 I insisted on receiving payment before restoring the site, but I overlooked the fact that he had access to the hosting platform's data backup, which he used to restore the site without my assistance. At the moment, I still have access to the hosting platform and the ability to manipulate the site, without being in conflict with him. I also have his passport details and our correspondence on a social network where he assigned me the job and promised to pay. My question is, is it possible to permanently delete the site?

Perhaps there is a method I'm unaware of, allowing me to delete it completely and create a backup on my own site. If not, can I take legal action against him? I have our correspondence as evidence, but I'm not sure if it's sufficient. From what I know, when a job is assigned, there should be some kind of dоcument stating the responsibilities and obligations of both parties. In short, this is a plea for help.

It's unfortunate that you're facing this situation. When it comes to legal matters, it's always best to consult with a professional who specializes in the relevant field, such as contract law or intellectual property rights. They will be able to provide you with accurate and specific advice based on your location and the details of your case.

As for permanently deleting the website, if you still have access to the hosting platform, you can try reaching out to their support team and explain the situation. They may be able to assist you in permanently removing the site. However, keep in mind that this action may have legal implications, so it's crucial to consult with a lawyer before taking any steps.

Regarding taking legal action, having correspondence as evidence is helpful, but the strength of your case will depend on various factors, including the laws in your jurisdiction. Again, consult with a lawyer who can review your evidence and guide you on the best course of action.

If you're considering taking legal action, it's important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your case. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Preserve all communication: Keep records of all conversations, emails, messages, and any other forms of communication with the individual in question. These can serve as evidence of the agreed-upon terms and their failure to fulfill their obligations.

2. dоcument the website work: Keep a detailed record of the work you have done on the website, including the time spent, versions of the website, and any changes or updates made. This dоcumentation can help demonstrate your contribution to the project.

3. Save backups and timestamps: If you have any backups or timestamps of the website, ensure you keep these as evidence of your involvement and the state of the website at different points in time.

4. Look for additional proof: If there are any other pieces of evidence that can support your case, such as witness testimonies or financial records, gather and dоcument them as well.

Once you have gathered this evidence, consult with a lawyer who specializes in contract law or intellectual property rights. They will be able to analyze your case, advise you on the best course of action, and potentially help you pursue legal action to recover the payment you are owed.

I strongly advise against taking any action towards the website. Your reputation is more valuable, no matter how disappointing the job may be—if your intention is to harm.

However:

1. You can attempt to locate the client for whom the site was created, reach out through email or another means of contact, and explain that you personally completed all the work on the site, not the studio. Briefly mention that the studio failed to compensate you and if the client requires any further improvements, they can directly approach you, rather than going through the studio that "betrayed" you.

2. You can confidently include the website in your portfolio while actively searching for a new job.

3. Money may be a loss, but it's just money—a single incident among thousands in life. Try to derive positivity from the situation. If there are no other alternatives and you've already secured another job where your skills are appreciated, you can later tarnish the reputation of the untrustworthy studio.

If you adhere to the principle, the formal correspondence on social networks can be considered a contractual agreement. However, it is important to refrain from asking legal questions on irrelevant platforms and instead seek proper legal advice, obtain certified screenshots of the conversation, and so on. Nevertheless, if you have not met the person in real life, it becomes difficult to prove their identity without encountering significant difficulties.

Off topic:

Engaging in activities on someone else's hosting without prepayment is simply absurd. Furthermore, the meaning of the profit percentage in this particular scenario remains entirely unclear. It appears to me that dedicating a month of one's life to learning the fundamentals of business in Russia is a reasonable investment for gaining valuable experience. If there is a desire to pass judgment or gain expertise, it is essential to understand that both money and time will need to be invested.

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