"EIP-3.1: Credibility Score Adjustment for Supporters of Slashed Users"

# **EIP-3.1: Credibility Score Adjustment for Supporters of Slashed Users** **Replaces:** EIP-3 (Original proposal at https://app.ethos.network/activity/review/157484/eip-3-sequential-review-eligibility ) ## **Abstract** This proposal introduces a credibility score penalty for users who have an active vouch or an unarchived positive review for another user who is subsequently successfully slashed. If a user (the "Slashee") is slashed, individuals who positively reviewed the Slashee will lose credibility score equal to 10% of the Slashee's total slashed amount. Individuals who vouched for the Slashee will lose credibility score equal to 20% of the Slashee's total slashed amount. Users will have the duration of the slashing period (e.g., 2 days) to archive their reviews or unvouch the Slashee to avoid these penalties. This change is intended to encourage more deliberate and thoughtful endorsements on the platform. This penalty will be recorded under a new category, such as "Penalty for Supporting Slashed User." ## **Rollout** This will only apply to slashes resolved after EIP-3.1 is implemented. It does not apply to any previous or existing slashes, as of May 28, 2025. ## **Motivation** The core motivation behind this EIP is to enhance the integrity and thoughtfulness of interactions within the Ethos ecosystem. Currently, there is no direct consequence for endorsing users who later face successful slashes. This proposal aims to: 1. **Encourage Due Diligence:** Incentivize users to be more discerning and thoughtful before leaving positive reviews or vouching for others, particularly individuals they may not know well. 2. **Strengthen Trust Signals:** Make vouches and positive reviews more reliable indicators of trust by associating a potential cost with misplaced endorsements. 3. **Reflect Shared Responsibility:** Introduce a measure of accountability for those whose endorsements might have lent credibility to a user who ultimately harmed the ecosystem or violated community standards. It is hoped that this change will lead to more considered endorsements, thereby strengthening the overall reputation system. ## **Specification** 1. **Triggering Condition:** * A user (the "Slashee") is successfully slashed. 2. **Conditions for Penalty Application:** * At the moment the slash is finalized, another user has an active (non-archived) positive review for the Slashee. * At the moment the slash is finalized, another user has an active vouch for the Slashee. 3. **Credibility Score Penalties (upon successful slash):** * **Reviewers:** Any user with an active, positive review for the Slashee will lose credibility score equal to 10% of the total credibility score amount lost by the Slashee in that specific slash event. * **Vouchers:** Any user with an active vouch for the Slashee will lose credibility score equal to 20% of the total credibility score amount lost by the Slashee in that specific slash event. * These penalties are distinct and not cumulative; if a user both reviewed and vouched for the Slashee they are penalized the maximum aount (ie, 20%). 4. **Grace Period & Mitigation:** * During the slashing period (the time between when a slash is initiated and when it is finalized, e.g., 2 days), users will have the opportunity to: * Archive any positive reviews they have issued for the user facing the slash. * Unvouch the user facing the slash. * If a review is archived or a vouch is removed before the slash is finalized, the respective penalty will not apply to that user. 5. **Penalty Categorization:** * Score deductions resulting from this EIP will be attributed to a new, distinct category, for example: "Penalty for Supporting Slashed User" or "Misplaced Endorsement Penalty." 6. **No Impact on Failed Slashes:** * If a slash attempt against a user fails, no credibility score adjustments outlined in this EIP will be applied to their reviewers or vouchers. ## **Rationale and Considerations** * **Potential for Negative Dynamics:** We acknowledge a risk that this EIP could introduce unintended negative consequences, such as an increased reluctance to review or vouch, or a generally more cautious atmosphere than desired. The effects will be monitored closely. ## **Beta Implementation & Future Iteration** This feature will be implemented as a BETA. * **Parameter Adjustments:** The penalty percentages (10% for reviews, 20% for vouches) are initial values and may be subject to change based on observed outcomes and community feedback. * **Rollback Clause:** If this EIP is found to significantly increase negativity on the platform, fails to achieve its intended goals, or otherwise proves detrimental, a subsequent proposal to amend or roll back these changes will be considered.