> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://solana-unchained.gitbook.io/whitepaper/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://solana-unchained.gitbook.io/whitepaper/why-this-exists/real-world-services/social-recovery-protocol.md).

# Social Recovery Protocol

**Problem:**\
Loss of private keys is the single largest cause of permanent fund loss in crypto. Existing recovery solutions are either custodial (email/password‑based, defeats self‑custody) or technically complex (multisig with hardware wallets).

**Solution:**\
A social recovery contract that allows a wallet owner to designate a set of guardians (friends, family, or institutional accounts) who can collectively restore access to a new private key.

**How it works:**

1. Setup – The user deploys a recovery contract linked to their primary wallet address. They specify:
2. A list of guardian addresses (minimum 3, maximum 10).
3. A recovery threshold (e.g., 3 out of 5).
4. A timelock delay (e.g., 7 days).
5. Recovery process – If the user loses access, they (or a guardian) initiate recovery. Each guardian signs a transaction approving the new wallet address. Once the threshold is met, the timelock begins. After the delay, the contract transfers all assets to the new address.
6. Cancellation – The original owner can cancel a pending recovery at any time by signing a cancellation transaction (if they still have access).

**Security features:**

* Guardians never have direct control over funds – only the ability to vote for a recovery.
* The timelock gives the owner time to react if a malicious recovery is attempted.
* A “social fallback” option: instead of on‑chain guardians, users can designate email addresses that receive recovery links (using threshold cryptography). This lowers the barrier for non‑technical users.

**Integration for other dApps:**\
The protocol is exposed as a set of Solana instructions that any wallet or dApp can call. A dApp can embed a “Enable Social Recovery” button, and the contract handles the rest. Fees for recovery operations are paid in \&UCHN tokens.


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