> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.qie.digital/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.qie.digital/slashing-and-jailing-in-qie-v3/what-is-slashing.md).

# ❌ What is Slashing?

### ⚠️ What Is Slashing?

**Slashing** is an automatic penalty mechanism that removes a portion of a validator’s staked QIE coins — including both their own stake and their delegators’ stakes.

This penalty is enforced when a validator violates protocol rules or behaves in a way that harms the network.

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#### Why Does Slashing Exist?

Slashing helps to:

* **Discourage harmful or careless behavior**
* **Protect the security and integrity of the network**
* **Align incentives so validators remain honest and active**

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#### Common Reasons for Slashing

Validators can be slashed for:

* 💤 **Downtime:** Being offline or missing block validations
* ⚔️ **Double Signing:** Signing two conflicting blocks at the same height (a serious fault)
* 🧊 **Inactivity in Governance:** (Optional) Failing to participate in on-chain governance votes if configured
* 🔒 **Not Maintaining Minimum Self-Delegation:** Validators must keep a minimum amount of their own coins staked to remain active

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#### How Slashing Affects Delegators

* When a validator is slashed, **delegators’ stakes with that validator are also partially penalized**
* This creates a strong incentive to choose reliable and trustworthy validators

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#### Summary

Slashing is a crucial security feature that:

* Protects the network from bad actors
* Encourages validators to perform their duties responsibly
* Ensures delegators’ stakes are backed by honest participation