1. Introduction

• Purpose: Develop TrustSphere, an Ethereum-backed reputation system to replace legacy currency systems, promoting a meritocracy of the future where acts of service and positive contributions are rewarded with HonorPoints.
• Scope: TrustSphere will track and entangle tokens generated through positive interactions and contributions, creating a decentralized, transparent, and equitable trust network.
• Motivation: The primary motivation for designing this system is to quickly vet people petitioning for aid, ensuring trust and integrity in the process. Trustees are inducted into the Network of Trust initially through due diligence, and as the network grows, individuals are inducted when Trustees vouch for them.
• Affiliation: TrustSphere is a project of HumanTribe International, aiming to foster global trust and cooperation.

2. Licensing

• Smart Contracts: Licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 or later (GPL-3.0-or-later). This ensures that the code remains free and open, and any derivative works are also distributed under the same license.
• Web Components: Licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later (AGPL-3.0-or-later). This ensures that the source code remains available to users even when accessed over a network, promoting transparency and freedom.

3. Concept Overview

• HonorPoints: Unlike legacy currency, HonorPoints are not spent but become entangled with each user through interactions. When HonorPoints are used in transactions, they are not lost by those who utilize them. Instead, it is akin to a dollar in a legacy system becoming co-owned by everyone who has had possession of it.
• Entanglement: HonorPoints are minted and entangled by each interaction, forming a digital reputation score that reflects user contributions.
• Decentralization: TrustSphere operates without traditional banks or intermediaries, ensuring transparency and resilience against manipulation.
• Trustee Induction: Initially, Trustees are inducted into the Network of Trust through rigorous due diligence. As the network grows, new members are inducted based on vouching by existing Trustees.
• Vetting and Vouching: Vetting and vouching are major components of the system, recorded similarly to GPG keysigning parties, creating a web of trust. Keysigning parties can take place organically during HumanTribe International activities, such as solace meditations, with QR codes enhancing the user experience.

4. Core Features

• HonorPoints Generation: HonorPoints are created through interactions such as donations, collaborative projects, community engagement, and due diligence findings.
• Entanglement Mechanism: HonorPoints entangle with users’ identities, recorded on the blockchain, forming a lasting trust link. Each transaction entangles the HonorPoints with all previous holders, promoting a shared ownership model.
• Reputation Score: Accumulated HonorPoints contribute to a user’s overall reputation score, visible and verifiable by all network participants.
• Civitas Protocol: The underlying mechanism and algorithm that powers TrustSphere, ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity.
• NFTs for Acts of Service: Mint NFTs that represent detailed descriptions of acts of service, creating a transparent and tamper-proof record of contributions. Others in the network can award NFTs for meritorious undertakings, achievements, and findings.