![IMG_3169.JPG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXwrRL39E9rS5qzV4vQiJ8ANXQkWcg9VmrvpypXhH7Nvh/IMG_3169.JPG)

# I think it is entirely possible, and I am almost certain that this idea has been explored elsewhere already.

# I write this as a result of much thought on the nature of scams/spam/and flagging on the platform.
***
One of my friends, @sift666, recently wrote a [post](https://steemit.com/steemit/@sift666/a-censorship-threat-to-steemit) expressing some reservations with the flagging/downvote feature of the platform. While I fully support the presence of this integral element of the platform, and think it is a good idea, it is true--like with anything in either the "real" or cyber worlds--that it can be "abused."

Now, I realize that "abuse" is a term open to many interpretations, and I am fine with that as well. What one user feels is abuse another user may simply deem unsavory behavior that should not be punished with a down vote. This is where the insurance companies would come in. There could be myriad companies, services, or providers, offering unique brands of "Steem insurance," to their users.
![old school.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmT5r8cQErDBwJVUYe5n8LPx4MDHZ98zmpb7n6SxqrqDUx/old%20school.jpg)
*Some old school Steemians attempting to minimize risk. Accounts on the platform are very valuable, after all!*
# Types of insurance.
***
# FLAG ABUSE INSURANCE.
***
Let's say there is a whale account and the user behind it turns out to be a real nasty character. Your account which you had worked so hard to build up is summarily nuked into oblivion because you criticized a recently posted pic of his grandma's homemade tuna casserole. You feel that this is clearly a case of abuse of power. Where do you go?

Well, the lovely thing about the free market is that if you have an established blog and reputation, other users will likely rise to your defense, and strike back against the abusive user via negative market action (i.e. down votes/flags). This abusive user will also lose the trust of many in the community, and harm his reputation. But what if you are new, and nobody rises to your aid? Or what if folks are afraid of this hypersensitive whale and do not wish to arouse more of his petty anger? This is where an insurance policy might come in handy.
***
# SPAM CONTROL.
***
Think of this as something akin to a pest removal service or an exterminator for spammy comments on your blog. Clearly (and as I have found out this last week) using all of one's SP to try to deal with scammers and spammers is detrimental to one's ability to continue to use that precious SP to support accounts and content one loves and wishes to see succeed. This is basic economics, right? You can't have your cake and eat it, too, but also you can't let a bunch of folks ruin the comments section of your blog by spamming it. An insurance account could use delegated SP to downvote spammers, issue warnings, etc.
***
# SCAM CONTROL.
***

This past week I have had my Steemit identity stolen, been threatened multiple times (the threats continue from @bilalhaider) with both personal (threats to send things to my home address) and cyber (threats to ruin my Steemit account) "retaliatory" action. I put "retaliatory" in quotes because I was the aggressor in none of the cases, but both parties remain unapologetic and seem to seek damaging my account.

The other user is @i-repost, who scammed me out of some SP, and then made a post instructing others how to do the same thing. These individuals are still behind the scenes, crying foul, because someone took them to task over their unsavory behavior on the platform. Now, @bilalhaider is teaming up with yet another well-known (infamous?) user to address this "evil." I wonder what "evil" is being addressed. I simply do not have time to tend to all these fires and waste all my SP.

Scam insurance on the platform could help with this.

*(I have screenshots, etc, to back up all the claims made in the above paragraphs. If you wish to see evidence, please message me.)*

***
![rekt account.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmeHv9foYjewvd2NFMYVWZUKPZvHwkmxRK9pSgvNY2p3k3/rekt%20account.jpg)
*Visual representation of a wrecked dolphin account.*
# So how would it work?
***
Good question. The general idea is the same as any basic insurance policy. The user pays a premium, investing SP in the insurance account, and when the user needs help in addressing an issue, the insurance account springs into action as per the previously agreed to contract with the user, and deals with whatever threat/issue/abuse needs to be managed. 

The technical ins and outs of this are not my strong point. I know the blockchain can handle things like smart contracts and is excellent for records keeping, so I cannot see why this type of thing would not be possible.

Steemit.com is a pretty good model of a free market system, and I love that. I want to see what the market might provide to deal with the troublesome issues mentioned above. Account recovery and new account generation for scammed users might be another avenue. Some insurance companies might be more sensitive than others. Some might act only in extreme circumstances. This would be up to the market, users, and insurance accounts to work out. External blockchains like the ether blockchain might even be used. 

***

# Thanks for reading. I'd really appreciate your thoughts in the comments section!

# ~KafkA

[<center>![IMG_6356.jpg](https://s29.postimg.org/4tdrtkp53/IMG_6356.jpg)</center>](https://steemit.com/@kafkanarchy84)

***

***Graham Smith is a Voluntaryist activist, creator, and peaceful parent residing in Niigata City, Japan. Graham runs the "Voluntary Japan" online initiative with a presence here on Steem, as well as Facebook and Twitter. (Hit me up so I can stop talking about myself in the third person!)***

https://s1.postimg.org/kjwrwf33j/IMG_3160.jpg

https://s29.postimg.org/7bus4yyxj/IMG_6887.jpg