Skip to main content

​
Multi-Layer Protection

Dispute resolution in Zenland has multiple security layers:

​
Agent Staking

Agents must stake funds to participate:

​
Dual Staking Model

Stake TypePurposeAmount
Stablecoin StakeDetermines MAV (max value they can judge)Min ~$100 equivalent
DAO Token StakeShows protocol alignmentMin ~100 tokens

​
How MAV Works

Agent stakes: $1,000 USDC
MAV multiplier: 20x
Max escrow they can handle: $20,000

Your escrow: $15,000
→ Agent is eligible ✓

Your escrow: $25,000
→ Agent cannot be selected ✗

​
Protection Against Agent Attacks

​
Attack: Agent Unstakes After Selection

Scenario: Agent is selected, then unstakes before dispute, then colludes for a bribe. Protection:
  1. Agent eligibility is re-checked at invite time (not just creation)
  2. activeCases counter prevents unstaking during disputes
  3. 30-day cooldown after last case before unstaking allowed

​
Attack: Agent Colludes with One Party

Scenario: Agent takes a bribe to rule unfairly. Protection:
  1. Economic: Bribe must exceed stake value (at risk of slashing)
  2. Reputation: Bad decisions visible on-chain, affect future selection
  3. DAO: Token holders can vote to slash bad agents

​
Attack: Agent Goes Inactive

Scenario: Agent stops responding to requests. Protection:
  1. 7-day timeout after invite
  2. Either party can claim timeout
  3. Escrow returns to disputed with no agent
  4. Parties settle via mutual split

​
Two-Stage Agent Validation

Agents are validated at two checkpoints:
1

At Creation (Factory)

  • Is this agent registered?
  • Is their MAV sufficient?
  • Are they active and available?
If fails: Cannot create escrow with this agent
2

At Invite (Escrow)

  • Is agent still registered?
  • Is MAV still sufficient?
  • Are they still active and available?
If fails: inviteAgent() reverts
This two-stage validation prevents “nothing to lose” attacks where agents unstake between creation and dispute.

​
Seller Refund Escape Hatch

Even in disputes, the seller can always refund:

sellerRefund()

Seller can return 100% to buyer at any time — no approval needed.
This provides an ultimate escape:
  • Agent is unresponsive? Seller can refund.
  • Dispute is taking too long? Seller can refund.
  • Seller made a mistake? Seller can refund.

​
Locked Escrow Considerations

For locked escrows (no agent):
There is NO third-party intervention. Security comes purely from game theory.
ProtectionStandard EscrowLocked Escrow
Agent arbitration✓✗
Seller refund✓✓
Mutual split✓✓
Timeout protection✓✗
Permanent lock risk✗✓

​
DAO Oversight

The DAO provides backstop governance:
  • Slash bad agents for proven misconduct
  • Adjust parameters (fees, timeouts, minimums)
  • Blacklist tokens that behave maliciously
  • Upgrade factory for future escrows
The DAO cannot intervene in individual disputes or override agent decisions. This is by design for decentralization.

Learn About Agents

Understand the agent system →