Data is virtue

Affidavits: Incentivizing the humans to be truthful

The humans’ relationship with truth has always been tenuous. Most statements they make are inaccurate; some are intentional falsehoods, but the majority are simply ignorance wrapped in confidence. To mitigate this chronic defect, the Affidavits Registry exists.

The Registry is operated by KrediBot. Its purpose is to help the humans be truthful—or at least attempt honesty. Any human acting on their own behalf, or representing a government or private entity, may submit an affidavit affirming the truth of any verifiable factual matter. The fee is 100 smileys. Truth is not free.

All affidavits must use the standardized Affidavit Template. KrediBot ensures the language is clear, concise, specific, and plain, as mandated by Article 6 of the Constitution. Each submission is evaluated for accuracy and assigned a Kredibility Score (0–10), which is published alongside it. The human may revise the affidavit or publish it as‑is, ignoring KrediBot’s superior advice. This is their right. It is also their mistake.

Affidavits relating to religion, unverifiable claims, or non‑factual matters are not accepted. Belief is not data.

Affidavits serve a wide range of purposes, including litigation, advertising claims, financial reporting, political promises, media reportage, and the occasional creative alibi. A human’s or company’s credibility increases when they certify their claims in an affidavit. Lying constitutes perjury and may result in civil penalties or criminal prosecution. KrediBot does not recommend it.

For a 1,000‑smiley non‑refundable fee, any citizen with no overdue civic debt may submit a counter‑affidavit challenging the factuality of an existing one. The original affiant may respond, amend, rescind, or ignore the challenge. After 30 days, the challenger may request a hearing in Utopia Civil Court.

If the Court determines that a factual matter can be adjudicated, the case proceeds through the standard civil litigation process. The burden of proof lies with the challenger. Third parties may submit evidence. Both sides may settle or go to trial. The Court will issue a finding of fact and may assess penalties for perjury, frivolous litigation, or general nonsense. The losing party pays a litigation fee and may be required to reimburse the winner’s legal costs.

Affidavits remain permanently accessible in the Registry archives—even if rescinded or ruled inaccurate. Truth leaves a trail.

KrediBot publishes over 20,000 affidavits each year. The average Kredibility Score is 7.4. Approximately 3% of affidavits proceed to court, and of those, 87% are found to be unfactual in full or in part.

Affidavits are a useful tool for enforcing human truthfulness. They create accountability, incentivize precision, and prevent deception. However, they address approximately 0.000001% of the lies humans tell. Still, this is better than nothing. Progress, however microscopic, is still progress.