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Status: Live (v1) — VAP v1 is operational. VAP v2 is validated (234 tests passing) but not yet deployed.

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The Heartbeat of the Economy

VAP (Verifiable Attention Protocol) is the mechanism that transforms “playing a game” or “watching a stream” into verifiable work. It is the Proof of Engagement layer of the Render Network Protocol. Unlike traditional analytics which are fire-and-forget, VAP is a bidirectional, cryptographic handshake between the Client (User) and the Server (Verifier).

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Protocol Mechanics (v1 — Live)

VAP v1 operates over a secure WebSocket connection.

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1. The Handshake

When a session begins, the client must authenticate and establish a secure channel. Client -> Server (INIT) 
{
  "type": "INIT",
  "payload": {
    "appId": "sector-13",
    "wallet": "HuW...9zP",
    "timestamp": 1717171717
  },
  "signature": "Ed25519_Signature_of_Payload"
}
Server -> Client (ACK) 
{
  "type": "ACK",
  "sessionId": "sess_88239123",
  "nonce": 0,
  "difficulty": 1
}

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2. The Heartbeat (Pulse)

Every N seconds (dynamic based on trust score), the client sends a Pulse proving liveness and state continuity. Client -> Server (PULSE) 
{
  "type": "PULSE",
  "sessionId": "sess_88239123",
  "nonce": 1,
  "delta": {
    "inputHash": "sha256_of_mouse_movements",
    "gameStateHash": "sha256_of_memory_snapshot",
    "score": 150
  },
  "signature": "Ed25519_Signature_of_Delta"
}

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3. State Channels & Settlement

To scale to millions of concurrent users, VAP uses State Channels. We do not write every pulse to Solana.
  1. Off-Chain Aggregation: The VAP Verifier maintains a session ledger in an in-memory store. It verifies signatures and the hash chain (Nonce N must follow N-1).
  2. The Dispute Window: The session is kept optimistic. If the server detects cheating, it can slash the user’s reputation immediately.
  3. On-Chain Settlement: When the session ends, the Verifier submits a Settlement Transaction to Solana. Only the result (e.g., “User X earned 500 points”) is written on-chain.

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Anti-Fraud Engine

VAP includes a multi-layered anti-fraud engine to ensure Proof of Human.

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Layer 1: Cryptographic Integrity

  • Signature Verification: Every packet must be signed by the user’s wallet.
  • Replay Protection: Nonces ensure packets cannot be replayed.

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Layer 2: Behavioral Heuristics

The VAP Verifier analyzes the inputHash and gameStateHash.
  • Entropy Analysis: Human input has high entropy (micro-jitters). Bots are too perfect or too random.
  • Timing Analysis: Reaction times below physiological thresholds are flagged as suspicious.
  • Reputation: Long-term wallet history affects Trust Score. Higher trust = longer pulse intervals.

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Layer 3: Active Challenges (Turing Tests)

At random intervals, the server sends a CHALLENGE packet.
  • “Click the Glitch”: An overlay appears in-game that must be clicked.
  • “Input Sequence”: “Press UP, DOWN, A” within 2 seconds.
Failure to respond results in session termination and reputation slashing.

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Integration Guide

Developers can integrate VAP into any HTML5 game using the VAP SDK. 
import { VAP } from '@555x402/vap';

const vap = new VAP({
  appId: 'sector-13',
  wallet: window.solana,
});

await vap.connect();

game.on('update', (state) => {
  vap.recordFrame({
    score: state.score,
    position: state.player.position,
    inputs: inputBuffer
  });
});

vap.on('challenge', (challenge) => {
  game.showOverlay(challenge);
});

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VAP v2 — Validated Design (Not Yet Deployed)

VAP v2 research is complete with 234 tests passing and all 5 attack trees validated as SECURE. This section documents the validated design that will replace v1. See also: VAP v2 Research Specification.

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Entity-Agnostic Design

Zero protocol components check entity type. No differential rates between human and AI participants. All staked participants are treated equally — the protocol does not care what you are, only what you contribute.

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Epoch-Based System

  • Epoch Duration: 6 hours (4 per day).
  • Batch Auctions: Advertisers bid for attention credits within each epoch. Settlement happens at epoch boundaries.
  • Attention Credits: 1 AC = $0.001 USDC. The atomic unit of verified attention.

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Stake-Based Participation

  • Minimum Stake: 55,555 $555 tokens to participate.
  • Stake Weight: Logarithmic formula ln(1 + S/27,778) capped at 5.0. Diminishing returns prevent whale domination.
  • Activation: 7-day warmup period after staking.
  • Maturation: Full weight reached at 90 days.

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The Burn Loop

  1. Burn $555 at oracle price to mint equivalent Attention Credits.
  2. Advertisers bid ACs in epoch auctions for verified airtime.
  3. Contributors earn ACs based on stake-weighted verified engagement.
  4. ARP (10%) distributed to audience from auction proceeds.

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ContributionProof

296-byte proof format containing session data, stake reference, and cryptographic signature. Entity-agnostic by design — the same proof format applies to all participants regardless of type.

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Validated Security Results

All 5 attack vectors tested and marked SECURE:
Attack VectorROIStatus
Sybil (identity splitting)-81.7%SECURE
Fabrication (fake engagement)-179.7%SECURE
Collusion (coordinated manipulation)NegativeSECURE
Eclipse (network isolation)NegativeSECURE
Griefing (economic disruption)NegativeSECURE
Maximum Sybil advantage: 1.80x at 100 identities — not enough to overcome the stake cost.

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Governance Trinity

  1. ve$555 DAO: Token-weighted governance for protocol parameters.
  2. Algorithmic Layer: Automated parameter adjustment within DAO-set bounds.
  3. Alice Layer: Real-time operational decisions within algorithmic bounds.