I was planning to propose this to snapshot today, but in lieu of the holidays and community feedback, the snapshot will be posted on January 3, 2025. The original draft of this proposal was authored by @CryptoSteveO
This is a somewhat experimental approach on how we can delineate and easily identify proposals that reach snapshot votes. I welcome any feedback from the community on how we can organize this better.
The final draft of the proposal before snapshot voting:
Abstract
This proposal advocates for the adoption of a dedicated email domain for the Telcoin Council’s official communications. Establishing a distinct domain for council use will enhance security, build credibility, and present a professional image to the Telcoin community, MNO’s, and external stakeholders.
By implementing a branded email domain, the Council can ensure secure and consistent communications that reduce the risk of phishing, streamline identity verification, and strengthen Telcoin’s community relations. This proposal outlines the benefits, recommended domains, implementation steps, recommending swift action to improve Telcoin’s communication infrastructure and support its mission of fostering transparency and trust.
Specification
- Security Setup: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies to ensure secure access to council email accounts.
- Account Management: Establish guidelines on account creation, deactivation, and transfer to ensure only current Council members can access council-related communications. Workspace admins managed by the TAO will oversee all account managements.
- A direct email to which members can submit queries or comments - for example: info@ or help@
- All council member emails will use
@telcoin.orgdomain - Council members may choose their preferred email prefix. Email prefixes based on council member names are recommended, but anything “within reason” is allowable to accommodate privacy considerations and personal preference.
- Email prefixes must be professional as they represent the councils and the association at large. The compliance council will have final say if there’s any issues with questionable email prefixes.
- Individual council members will be added to email groups that correspond to their specific council, as well as the general info@ or help@ prefixes
Rationale
As the Telcoin ecosystem continues to grow, it is essential to implement a standardized communication channel for Council members. A dedicated email domain would provide:
- Enhanced Credibility: Using a professional domain reinforces Telcoin’s commitment to security and legitimacy, reducing risks of phishing and impersonation.
- Security and Control: The Council can maintain tighter control over official communications, with the ability to manage and secure accounts, enforce password policies, and quickly deactivate accounts if needed.
- Professionalism: A branded email domain distinguishes Council members’ emails from personal accounts, creating a polished and cohesive image.
Implementation
- Workspace admin ensures all security measures are in place (MFA, account password requirements, etc. outlined above)
- Upon TIP-1’s approval, council members will receive an email from “compliance@telcoin.org” requesting their preferred email prefix. Council members must reply to this email in order to receive a “@telcoin.org” email. The council member’s preferred email prefix will be used unless there is an issue. All correspondence regarding setting up the council member’s email will be between compliance and the council member’s personal email they provided during the KYC process. Council members will receive login instructions through their personal email as well.
- The Telcoin Association currently has access to free emails for council members. If the Google Workspace non-profit status changes or the workspace is upgraded or any other fee becomes associated with maintaining council member emails, another TIP is needed to fund these changes. However, for now there is no financial obligation needed to carry out this proposal.
- All data and emails through official “@telcoin.org” emails are property of the Telcoin Association. Council members caught abusing their official email will immediately lose access to their account. Further action may be taken as deemed necessary.
- Council member accounts are archived after failing to be re-elected. The council member will have access for 24-hours after the elections are closed to access and backup any data before losing access.