Framework
Four-Layer Cheater Detection
TL;DR
A framework for building mechanisms that detect and punish partnership cheating, based on biological models from cleaner fish reputation systems and legume-bacteria partner choice.
A framework for building mechanisms that detect and punish partnership cheating, based on biological models from cleaner fish reputation systems and legume-bacteria partner choice.
When to Use Four-Layer Cheater Detection
Use when designing partnership agreements, marketplace trust systems, or any multi-party cooperation where cheating is possible. Essential for platform businesses and ecosystem orchestrators.
How to Apply
1
Layer 1: Visibility
Ensure you can observe partner behavior.
Questions to Ask
- Can you see what your partner is actually doing?
- Do you have access to relevant data and metrics?
- Are there blind spots where cheating could hide?
Outputs
- Visibility assessment
- Monitoring system design
2
Layer 2: Measurement
Quantify cooperation quality.
Questions to Ask
- Can you measure how well partners are fulfilling commitments?
- Do you have benchmarks for expected performance?
- Can you compare performance across partners?
Outputs
- Performance metrics
- Quality benchmarks
3
Layer 3: Reputation
Make past behavior visible to future partners.
Questions to Ask
- Is partner history visible to others in the ecosystem?
- Do reputation systems exist that track cooperation?
- Can new partners check track records?
Outputs
- Reputation system design
- History transparency
4
Layer 4: Punishment
Enable consequences for cheaters without self-harm.
Questions to Ask
- Can you stop cooperating with cheaters?
- Can you do so without significant harm to yourself?
- Are sanctions proportionate and enforceable?
Outputs
- Sanction mechanisms
- Exit protocols