# Slashing Slashing is a security measure in the XYO Layer One blockchain that holds node operators accountable. Through slashing, bad actors are penalized financially, for example by losing their staked $XYO. Ultimately, slashing discourages bad actions to preserve the integrity of the network. ### Purpose Slashing exists to prevent bad actors from doing negative actions on-chain. If a node submits invalid data, approves bad blocks, or interferes with the chain, it can harm other users' interactions and lower the trust in the blockchain. ### Conditions for Slashing [Node Stakers](/xyo-layer-one/staking/types-of-staking.md#node-staking) ([Block Producers](/xyo-layer-one/architecture/node-structure.md#block-producer-nodes) and [Validators](/xyo-layer-one/architecture/node-structure.md#validator-nodes)) put their $XYO tokens at risk when joining consensus. A stake may be slashed if a node: * Produces or approves an invalid block * Submits false or poor-quality data * Performs actions that break consensus rules [System Stakers](/xyo-layer-one/staking/types-of-staking.md#system-staking), who contribute through the pooled staking option, do not face slashing risk because they do not have nodes that can commit bad actions and threaten the network. --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://docs.xyo.network/xyo-layer-one/staking/slashing.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.