Computational Fairness

Definition ∞ Computational fairness is a property of a distributed system or algorithm that ensures all participants have an equitable chance to contribute resources and receive commensurate rewards. In blockchain contexts, this principle often applies to mining or staking processes, where specialized hardware or substantial capital holdings should not grant disproportionate advantages. It seeks to counteract the centralization of power by promoting broad accessibility to network participation. This concept supports the democratic ideals inherent in decentralized networks.
Context ∞ The pursuit of computational fairness presents a continuous technical challenge for many blockchain protocols, particularly within proof-of-work systems. The ongoing discussion examines novel consensus mechanisms and hardware resistance strategies designed to achieve this objective. Future developments will likely involve advancements in cryptographic proofs and the creation of algorithms that are more hardware-agnostic.