What is the Multi-sig protocol?

Data for inclusion on the BeefLedger POA Chain must be proposed and supported by a plurality. Network members may decide on validation participant groups that involve more or less participants, depending on context.

Our multi-sig protocol is designed to be organic. This means members of any multi-sig group can propose changes to the composition of the group as well as the ‘signing rule’ applicable for that group. Note that there are no limits on the number of groups within the network, nor any limits on how group members may choose to propose changes to the applicable ‘signing rule’.

Data state updates proposed via the multi-sig can only be made by valid identities. Different identities have access to different capabilities within the network. If proposers are valid, the proposal is then determined through the applicable multi-sig protocol. This takes the form of x signatures of y Group Members. With sufficient signatories, the proposal is validated and approved to the blockchain.

All members of the network can view the signatories that approved any data proposal. Reputational staking encourages good behaviour.

Guiding Framework

The guiding framework for our approach to the multi-sig structure is to enable an organic and dynamic approach to consensus formation. That is, we need to acknowledge that a common knowledge community needs to have access to tools that enable participants to manage in a live environment the nature of the trade-offs they are prepared to accept, to achieve a basis of common knowledge upon which they can go about their business. Different contexts will demand variations to the applicable protocols; and these can be amended dynamically.

Furthermore, we propose the enablement of a multi-layered approach to the multi-sig architecture whereby a particular multi-sig identity could itself be a function of a higher-order multi-sig arrangement. For instance, a company’s signature in the ecosystem may itself require the prior satisfaction of its own internal multi-sig protocols.

Classes of Decisions - Areas for further research

An area for further research is developing templates for different decision classes and the applicable majoritarian protocol. In this context, depending on the class of proposal, finality to the POA Chain comes from majoritarian agreement per the applicable decision-making rule:

1. Delegated authority (to the specified proposing group);

2. Simple majority (50%+1 of participating validators);

3. Absolute majority (50%+1 of all eligible validators); and

4. Super majority (66.6%+1 of all eligible validators).

In certain contexts, no votes may be required should authority be delegated.

Should a vote be required, a proposal sits on the table for a specified finite duration. The consensus community can review the proposal and validators can exercise their votes. In the present configuration we propose a 1-vote / 1-validator rule.