Blacklist Operations Committee
Scope
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As a mechanistic structure the BOC operates based on objective data sources and executes blacklisting actions based on these data. Validators reaching a threshold level of sandwiching will be blacklisted indefinitely from the Jito Stake Pool.
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The BOC operates on a “shoot first” principle, blacklisting validators with obvious sandwiching activity over thresholds identified in JIP-22. It will then leverage the following appeals process to allow validators to provide counter evidence via the forum:
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Decisions eligible for appeal: (a) blacklisted validators with sufficient evidence that the data is incorrect (b) validators with sufficient evidence of non-complicity in the sandwiching activity.
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Who may appeal: the affected validator operator.
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Frequency: max 1 appeal per operator per 6 months.
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Timelines
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Filing window: within 14 days of decision notice.
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Acknowledgement: within 7 days of submission (case ID provided).
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Review period: 7 days from acknowledgement.
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Decision publication: within 7 days of decision.
Appeal Submission (what the appellant must provide)
Appeals should include the following information:
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Cover form (validator identity and vote account address), operator name / entity, contact).
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Decision challenged: identify which blacklisting event you were part of e.g. Wave One.
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Grounds (choose any that apply):
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Evidence of data error
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Evidence of non-complicity
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Evidence package: on-chain metrics, logs, infra attestations, third-party reports/audits, remediation steps already taken.
BOC Structure
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The BOC is composed of 5 parties, which are non-disclosed at this time to maintain the ability of the group to make potentially difficult decisions without fear of community reprisal. The usual high quality standards of recruitment to the committees and delegate structures across the DAO are maintained. If at some point in the future, evidence of conflicts appears, this may change.
- Execution threshold is 3 of 5 quorum within the committee
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The BOC is an appeals processing and veto structure only.
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The BOC oversees the optimistic mechanism that leads to validator blacklisting i.e. data sources are used to detect sandwiching validators and those above threshold will be added to the blacklist queue and there will be a short period for the BOC to intervene to veto the blacklist before it is executed.
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The BOC reviews appeals and reserves the ability to revoke validators from executed blacklists, allowing validators to re-enter the pool.
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If this occurs, the BOC will be required to produce a reasoning for their decisions.
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If the decision stands, the BOC may simply respond with “appeal denied” and is not required to justify their decision. The community will have the ability to see the publicly provided evidence and observe that it is insufficient grounds for appeal. The BOC, may however, justify their denials if they deem the information valuable for the wider community to shape their behaviours and actions in the stake pool.
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Conflict check & recusal: any member with a conflict recuses themselves from the appeal consideration; if more than 3 members are recused and the committee becomes sub-quorate, then a 6th member will be temporarily added to the BOC to resolve the deadlock.
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Scope and Function Update: If the scope and function of the BOC is updated, the community will be notified on this thread of the governance forum. This will be primarily to nuance this simple base form of the committee structure, for example, if additional process is required for unforeseen circumstances and edge cases.
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Wind Down: If at any point the community feels as though the BOC is operating sub-optimally, or if its scope has drifted from the consent sought in JIP-22, then a new proposal to wind down the BOC should be posted to the “Drafts” section of the governance forum. If at least 3 delegates endorse the proposal it will be elevated to official and will go to token holder vote.
An Open and Public Process
To ensure that this process remains transparent, public and resistant to abuse / bias. All appeals will be made via this public forum. Any and all community members are welcome to debate, discuss and challenge the above structure and its operations via this thread.
Our commitments are to the Jito protocol and to the Solana Network, which includes the important mission of minimizing harmful MEV on the network. Our intent is to eliminate sandwich attacks in particular both from the Jito Stake Pool and the network at large. DO NOT engage in sandwiching activity if you wish to receive Jito stake.