Definition ∞ Cryptographic Timekeepers are mechanisms that use cryptographic principles to establish and verify the sequence and timing of events in a decentralized system. They provide an unalterable record of when transactions or other actions occurred, independent of external, centralized time sources. These systems are crucial for maintaining order and preventing various forms of temporal manipulation within blockchains. They offer a verifiable timestamp for digital occurrences.
Context ∞ The concept of cryptographic timekeepers is fundamental to understanding how blockchains resist attacks related to transaction ordering and double-spending. News articles on protocol security or consensus mechanisms often refer to these elements, particularly in discussions about block production and finality. The integrity of these timekeeping functions is paramount for ensuring the trustworthiness of any distributed ledger system.
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