DFINITY Foundation

Internet Computer Association

ICP Maximalist Network

cycledao.xyz

ICDevs.org

# Effect

Deactivate initial following of new neurons

# Reasoning

Until now, new neurons by default follow DFINITY on non-governance topics and do not follow on governance. This proposal deactivates the described initial following setup for the following reasons:

* The current setup may increases the imbalance between following on non-governance and governance topics with every new neuron. While clearing the default for new neurons will not resolve the current imbalance, it works against _increasing_ the imbalance.
* Following should be an explicit decision of the neuron holder. This is in the same spirit as the accepted [proposal 55651](https://dashboard.internetcomputer.org/proposal/55651).
* While a majority of following on proposals such as exchange rate or disaster recovery is necessary for the smooth operation of the IC, the current following is overwhelming so no impact is expected in the foreseeable future.

The proposal has been announced and discussed in [the forum](https://forum.dfinity.org/t/proposal-deactivate-initial-following-for-new-neurons/12491).

# Implementation

The proposal uses the `SetDefaultFollowees` proposal action to clear the default following setup in the governance canister.
