> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://aphid-ai.gitbook.io/aphid-ai-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://aphid-ai.gitbook.io/aphid-ai-docs/glossary/staking.md).

# Staking

**Staking** refers to locking [cryptocurrency tokens](/aphid-ai-docs/glossary/blockchain/token-cryptocurrency.md) into digital contracts, known as smart contracts. While they are locked in the contract, they are inaccessible to their owner until they are unlocked.

This is useful because it introduces a new way for things to be free, with no cost. Instead of paying for temporary access to things like hotel rooms, movies, and planes, any such service can instead require a staked amount of tokens. While tokens are staked, the contract allows the tokens to be used in decentralized finance to earn interest over time.

### Slashing

**Slashing** refers to punishing a bad actor by taking some of their staked tokens away. The rules about slashing vary between different contracts.

### Staking in Aphid

In the Aphid app, users stake [BION tokens](/aphid-ai-docs/glossary/bion-token.md) to gain access to work [Environments](/aphid-ai-docs/glossary/environment.md). Their staked BION is returned to them after a period of time (the time period is defined in the smart contract). If a human or a Clone acts nefariously within an environment, some portion of their staked BION is slashed.


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