> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.usmewe.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Guardians

> Your trusted network for Social Vault security

# Guardian System

Guardians are trusted contacts who help secure your Social Vault through multi-signature approval.

## Requirements

Your Social Vault requires exactly **5 Guardians**:

* Each Guardian must have an active usmewe account
* Guardians must accept their role
* **3 of 5** approvals required for any withdrawal

<Note>
  Choose Guardians you trust completely. They cannot access your funds, but they can block withdrawals.
</Note>

## Guardian Responsibilities

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Approve Withdrawals" icon="check">
    Review and approve legitimate withdrawal requests
  </Card>

  <Card title="Block Suspicious Activity" icon="ban">
    Flag or cancel suspicious withdrawal attempts
  </Card>

  <Card title="Emergency Response" icon="bell">
    Respond quickly to urgent notifications
  </Card>

  <Card title="Account Recovery" icon="rotate">
    Help recover access if you lose your device
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Adding Guardians

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Social Vault">
    Go to **Trust** > **Social Vault** > **Guardians**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Invite Guardian">
    Send invitation via in-app share or link
  </Step>

  <Step title="Guardian Accepts">
    They receive notification and accept the role
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirmation">
    Guardian is added to your vault
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Removing Guardians

Guardian removal has a **7-day cooling period**:

```
Day 0: Initiate removal
Day 1-7: Cooling period (all Guardians notified)
Day 7: Guardian removed if not cancelled
```

<Warning>
  This delay prevents an attacker from quickly removing all Guardians before stealing funds.
</Warning>

## Approval Process

When you request a withdrawal:

```
Withdrawal Request
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ All 5 Guardians │
│ Notified        │
└─────────────────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────────┐
│ Approval Window │
│ (= Timelock)    │
└─────────────────┘
      │
      ▼
   3/5 Approve?
      │
   Yes │ No
      │   │
      ▼   ▼
  Release  Blocked
```

## Guardian Selection Tips

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Geographic Distribution" icon="globe">
    Choose Guardians in different locations/timezones to ensure someone is always available to respond
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Mix of Relationships" icon="users">
    Include family, close friends, and perhaps a trusted colleague for diversity
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Technical Competence" icon="mobile">
    Ensure Guardians understand how to use the app and respond to notifications
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Trust Level" icon="heart">
    Only choose people you would trust with access to your home
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Guardian Notifications

Guardians receive push notifications for:

* New withdrawal requests
* Duress PIN activation (silent alert)
* Guardian removal attempts
* Large deposit/withdrawal activity

## API Reference

```bash theme={null}
# Add a Guardian
curl -X POST "https://api.usmewe.com/v1/social-vault/guardians" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"email": "guardian@example.com"}'
```

```bash theme={null}
# List Guardians
curl -X GET "https://api.usmewe.com/v1/social-vault/guardians" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_TOKEN"
```

<Card title="API Reference" icon="code" href="/developers/api-reference/social-vault">
  Full Social Vault API documentation
</Card>