Fabio, a prominent figure in the Internet Computer (ICP) ecosystem, has highlighted concerns over the misuse of the network’s governance system, the Network Nervous System (NNS). He warned that some users are submitting proposals intended to spread negative messages or disrupt the platform, and called for stronger penalties to maintain the integrity of the blockchain.
In a recent post, Fabio explained that he no longer reads forum posts due to the volume of unproductive behaviour, including spam, misinformation, and emotionally charged commentary. “This is a real problem, and it needs to be addressed,” he wrote, adding that repeated abuse could make the network appear less credible.
Fabio argued that current penalties are too low. Under the present system, each rejected proposal burns 25 ICP tokens, but he noted that a determined actor could repeatedly submit spam or misleading proposals at minimal cost. He calculated that with a modest budget, someone could submit hundreds of low-quality proposals over a few months, potentially influencing thousands of voters and spreading doubt about the blockchain.
He proposed a framework to address the issue. One suggestion is that proposals receiving more than 70% “No” votes could incur higher penalties, creating a stronger deterrent against disruptive submissions. Fabio also discussed the idea of adjusting deposits for proposals, with a higher deposit returned if the submission is rejected but not flagged as spam. This approach aims to discourage misuse while preserving access for legitimate contributors.
Community members, including @ajki76, contributed context on the existing system. They highlighted that even rejected proposals serve a function, as each submission burns ICP tokens, and that the network already imposes a cost on frivolous proposals. Fabio acknowledged this, but stressed that the current penalties do not sufficiently deter deliberate misuse and that additional safeguards may be necessary.
The discussion also touches on broader challenges in blockchain governance. The NNS is designed as a transparent, democratic platform that allows any user to submit proposals for community voting. Fabio’s observations point to the need for mechanisms that protect the network from repeated attempts to spread misinformation or exploit the governance system.
By examining deposit requirements, penalties, and voting thresholds, the ICP community is exploring ways to maintain the credibility and reliability of its governance system. Fabio’s call for higher consequences for abusive proposals reflects an ongoing focus on ensuring that participation remains meaningful and that the platform continues to function as a trusted framework for community decision-making.
As the network grows, these measures may help prevent low-cost actions from having outsized influence, while supporting serious contributors in submitting proposals that genuinely benefit the ecosystem. The conversation highlights the importance of vigilance, clear rules, and thoughtful adjustments in maintaining a blockchain governance system that is both open and resilient.
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