Definition ∞ Consensus Randomness refers to the method by which a blockchain protocol generates unpredictable values that are agreed upon by all participants. This element is essential for selecting block proposers or validators in a fair and unmanipulable manner. It ensures that no single entity can predict or control the sequence of operations. The quality of this randomness directly impacts the system’s security and fairness.
Context ∞ The topic of consensus randomness is central to the security analysis of proof-of-stake systems, where validator selection must resist manipulation. News articles often discuss various approaches to achieving robust randomness, such as verifiable delay functions or committee-based schemes. Any perceived weakness in a protocol’s randomness generation can lead to concerns about potential centralization or adversarial influence.