Compartmentalize access and assume that anything shared will eventually surface.
Sensitive information during the TGE process typically includes exchange negotiations, market maker terms, launch timing, token allocation specifics, and treasury wallet addresses. Leaks in any of these categories can damage exchange relationships, undermine negotiation leverage, or enable front-running.
Core principles for information management:
Need-to-know access. Not every team member needs visibility into exchange commercial terms or market maker strike prices. Limit access to the smallest group required for decision-making and execution. The wider the distribution, the higher the leak probability.
Separate communication channels for sensitive discussions. Exchange negotiations, market maker structuring, and treasury operations should not be discussed in general team channels. Use dedicated, access-controlled channels with explicit membership.
Avoid specifics in written communications where possible. When discussing commercially sensitive terms, default to calls over written messages. If written documentation is necessary, restrict access and avoid forwarding chains that expand the audience beyond the original group.
Brief external partners on confidentiality expectations. Market makers, legal counsel, KOLs, and advisory partners all receive sensitive information. Set explicit expectations around what can and cannot be shared publicly, and document those expectations in engagement agreements where possible.
Assume community channels are monitored. Private Discord channels, Telegram groups, and even internal Slack channels are not secure communication environments. Any information shared in these channels should be treated as potentially public. Sensitive operational details belong in access-controlled environments outside of community-facing platforms.
Post-mortems when leaks occur. If sensitive information surfaces publicly before its intended release, identify the source, tighten access, and adjust the distribution model. Leaks that go unaddressed establish a precedent that confidentiality is not enforced.
The standard to apply: If a piece of information would damage an exchange relationship, reveal negotiation leverage, or enable front-running if made public, it should be restricted to the minimum number of people required, and communicated through the most secure channel available.