Block Selection Honesty

Definition ∞ Block Selection Honesty refers to the principle that participants responsible for choosing the next block to add to a blockchain do so fairly and without bias. This means selecting a block based purely on protocol rules, such as the longest chain rule or a predetermined proposer schedule, rather than personal gain or censorship. It is a fundamental element for maintaining decentralization and trust in a distributed ledger system.
Context ∞ Ensuring block selection honesty is a primary design goal for many blockchain consensus mechanisms, particularly in proof-of-stake protocols. Concerns often arise around potential centralization or manipulation if a small group gains undue influence over block production. Developments in proposer-builder separation and verifiable random functions aim to strengthen this honesty, preventing malicious actors from unfairly prioritizing or excluding transactions.