What They Prove
A valid ShellName proves the named public key signed the alias record. Forest checks name availability, reserved names, status, expiry, and moderation state before search display.
What They Do Not Prove
ShellNames do not prove legal identity, DNS ownership, factual truth, platform endorsement, account ownership, or control of external services.
Private Key Safety
The admin signs locally and sends only public metadata plus a signature. It never sends raw private keys, encrypted Shell vaults, drafts, private plugin state, rejected comments, or passphrases.
Abuse Controls
Alpha 2 uses reserved names, duplicate checks, one active name per public key, IP and public-key rate limits, expiry, renewal, and admin hide/unhide moderation.