Definition ∞ A Data Availability Certificate is a cryptographic proof asserting that specific data, often from a Layer-2 rollup, has been published and is accessible to all network participants. This certificate provides verifiable assurance that the data necessary to reconstruct the rollup state is indeed available. It helps maintain the security and integrity of off-chain computations.
Context ∞ Data Availability Certificates are gaining prominence in the discourse around blockchain scalability, particularly with the growth of rollups and other Layer-2 solutions. News reports frequently discuss their role in ensuring the integrity of these scaling mechanisms, which rely on the main chain to verify data availability. These certificates are crucial for preventing data withholding attacks and maintaining user confidence in off-chain processing.