> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://testdoc.viewft.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# ViewCred Slashing

> How misleading content results in credibility penalties on ViewFT.

# ViewCred Slashing

ViewCred slashing is the consequence mechanism that gives ViewFT's credibility system teeth. If you create or distribute content found to be misleading, your ViewCred Score is reduced.

## What Triggers Slashing

* **Publishing verifiably false information** — factual claims that are demonstrably incorrect
* **Distributing known misinformation** — sharing content that has already been flagged and confirmed as misleading
* **Repeated low-quality content** — consistent pattern of sensationalized or misleading headlines
* **Coordinated manipulation** — participating in organized efforts to game the system

## Slashing Severity

The penalty is proportional to your ViewCred level — betraying trust at a higher level carries a steeper penalty.

| ViewCred Tier           | Slashing Penalty | Rationale                                   |
| ----------------------- | ---------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| New (0-199)             | -20 ViewCred     | Learning period, lighter penalty            |
| Contributor (200-399)   | -40 ViewCred     | Should know better                          |
| Trusted Voice (400-599) | -80 ViewCred     | Significant trust violation                 |
| Authority (600-799)     | -120 ViewCred    | Major credibility breach                    |
| Oracle (800-1000)       | -200 ViewCred    | Highest responsibility, highest consequence |

## The Verification Process

Slashing only occurs after content passes through the Three-Layer Verification System:

1. **AI Fact-Check (30% weight)** — Automated analysis against trusted sources
2. **The Senate (30% weight)** — Elected editorial board reviews disputed content
3. **Community Vote (40% weight)** — ViewCred-weighted community decision

All three layers must be evaluated before any slashing occurs. See [Three-Layer Verification](/verification/three-layer-system) for full details.

## Appeals

Creators can appeal slashing decisions. An appeal triggers a re-evaluation by a different Senate panel. If the appeal is successful, ViewCred is fully restored and the original flaggers lose ViewCred for false flagging.