Social Scoring Network

The Social Scoring Network (SSC) is an online reputation system created and maintained by the Department of Internal Security that is used to gauge the loyalty and trustworthiness of both individuals and institutions within the empire. The SSC was first developed shortly after the exodus as a means of distributing rations; those who could prove their loyalty and dedication to rebuilding the empire were granted more food, supplies, and eventually land, while those who were deemed unproductive or disloyal would receive fewer rewards, or in the worst cases, execution. Since then, the SSC has expanded substantially in terms of scope, and has become an integral aspect in the empire's internal security and culture.

The SSC is operated by a vast network of artificial intelligence constructs and Telkevon 'monitors'. The A.Is scour through the empire's vast online data networks, particularly social media sites, to record information on individuals and businesses, which will then be scored on a scale ranging from 0 to 200, with 0 representing traitors and high profile criminals and 200 representing exemplary individuals such as war heroes and those who have contributed to the empire in a significant way. Monitors ensure that the A.Is are functioning properly and take on specific cases that the A.Is are unable to perform. Both individuals and businesses are allowed to request that one's score be either increased or diminished based on their actions; for example, someone who regularly performs poorly at work and is then fired may have their employer request that their score be reduced. If claims are found to be true, the monitors will adjust one's score accordingly.

Scoring can be affected by a vast number of factors, such as who one associates themselves with, where they travel, what they post, where they work, their health, businesses practices, and more. For example, an individual with an above average score who regularly interacts with citizens who score is below a certain threshold risks having their own score deducted. How much a score is reduced or increased depends on the particular action. Some crimes, such as murder, will result in one's score being automatically reduced to 0, regardless of their score beforehand. Military service, which is required of all citizens, will only increase one's score by a marginal amount, but choosing to serve beyond one's required term and/or earning honors on the battlefield will increase the score further. Individuals who perform numerous actions that reduce their score, only to suddenly increase their score by performing a good deed, may be investigated for gaming the system if such behavior becomes a pattern.

Likewise, the SSC has implications for almost every aspect of an individual's life. All businesses and social media sites are required to have the score of their users and employees on display for public viewing. Individuals with a below average score are likely to find themselves shunned by much of society, as well as members of their own family, and will likely be denied many jobs. Legally, one's score determines their rights and privileges. Individuals with a good score can purchase land, homes, and guns, establish businesses, travel freely, and run for office, while those with a low score cannot. If one's score becomes low enough, they will be investigated for potential criminal activity, and if found guilty, will either be imprisoned, relocated to the dissident communities, or executed, depending on the crimes. However, there are a few exceptions, such as hospitals, which are not allowed to deny patients based on their score.

While the SSC attempts to remain unbiased, the system itself is imperfect, partly because of the vast scale of the empire itself. While uncommon, either an A.I or moderator will incorrectly adjust an individual's score based on inaccurate or outright false information. Affected citizens are allowed to appeal such changes, but while most appeals are handled within mere hours or days, others may remain for longer either due to a backlog or because the individual lives in a remote region not yet sufficiently covered by the SSC; the network requires time to establish its infrastructure in new regions, which has consequently made the outer rim a popular destination for those considered outcasts by society. Certain moderators may also accept bribes in order to modify scores, but those caught in the act will face immediate imprisonment and a severe deduction to their own score.