v0.8.0 - Observer Period, Correlation Detection, and Integrity Scaffold

[HiImRook]

v0.8.0 - Observer Period, Correlation Detection, and Integrity Scaffold
Status: Released

What Changed
This release establishes the architectural foundation for Valid Blockchain's Sybil resistance system. Three new modules define the complete observer period pipeline from data collection through promotion decisioning, along with a full architectural specification document.

correlation.rs - scaffolded
Broadcast anchor collection, peer response sampling, passive RTT fingerprinting, cluster detection, and correlation window analysis. The data collection and analysis layer that drives the 90-day observer period.

behavioral_merit.rs - scaffolded
Operational identity, wallet continuity, signing cadence, and behavioral merit scoring. Derives merit entirely from on-chain and network-observable behavior with no external dependencies at mainnet.

integrity.rs - scaffolded
NodeIntegrityScore, FlagRecord, FlagPattern, promotion decisioning, group penalty logic, and historical flag lifecycle. Current confidence is recoverable with clean behavior. Historical flags are permanent.

docs/v0.8-correlation-spec.md
Full architectural specification for the observer period and correlation detection pipeline. Covers:

• Two-tier network model - observer pool open to all; validator pool requires 90-day behavioral accumulation
• Passive RTT geographic confidence and physics floor violation detection
• Heartbeat correlation detection across three vectors: broadcast arrival correlation, heartbeat synchronization, and reaction correlation
• FlagPattern cross-node behavioral matching for attacker profiling across identity rotations
• NodeIntegrityScore separating recoverable current confidence from permanent historical record
• BroadcastAnchor bounded ring buffer retention model satisfying Zero Footprint constraints
• Testnet vs mainnet implementation split

Security

• reqwest bumped 0.11 to 0.12 resolving h2 CVE RUSTSEC-2026-0258

Notes

• All three modules are scaffold only. Implementation begins after live testnet deployment is stable.
• correlation.rs, behavioral_merit.rs, and integrity.rs are valid-blockchain branch only. They are not part of private-network or main.
• 119 tests passing, CI clean.

Full Changelog: See CHANGELOG.md
Previous Release: valid/v0.7.6

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This discussion was created from the release v0.8.0 - Observer Period, Correlation Detection, and Integrity Scaffold.