TLShandslagen

TLShandslagen is a sociotechnical protocol and customary practice within the TL network that standardizes the handshake as a signaling mechanism for mutual consent and trust at the outset of collaborative engagements. The term blends the TL community designation with a form derived from traditional handshake practices, reflecting both social and procedural elements.

Origin and development: The concept emerged in the TL ecosystem during the mid-2010s as a response to informal, ad hoc introductions in decentralized projects. It was formalized through community guidelines and the TL Protocol Handbook, emphasizing clarity, inclusivity, and symmetry of roles between participants.

Procedure: A TLShandslagen encounter typically follows a three-stage sequence: identification, intention signaling, and acknowledgement. Participants may perform a physical handshake accompanied by verbal confirmation, or use digital equivalents in chat or video interfaces. During the process, a short, human-readable consent statement is exchanged, and a lightweight record may be created to log the interaction without storing highly sensitive data.

Applications and scope: The protocol is used for project onboarding, partnership agreements, event check-ins, and peer-to-peer collaborations within TL networks. Advocates cite its efficiency and human-centered emphasis; critics note that it cannot replace formal contracts where legal liability or formal documentation is required, and that interpretation of signals can vary across cultures.

Reception and related concepts: TLShandslagen is described as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, formal processes. Related topics include handshake protocols, digital identity, consent management, and trust signals within distributed communities.