Decentralized Autonomy

Definition ∞ Decentralized autonomy refers to a system or organization operating without central control, where decision-making and operations are distributed among its participants. This concept is fundamental to many blockchain networks and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Participants collectively govern the system through predefined rules and consensus mechanisms, rather than relying on a single authority.
Context ∞ Discussions about decentralized autonomy are central to news concerning the governance models of blockchain protocols, DAOs, and the evolution of Web3 applications. The ability for a network or project to function without a singular point of command is often presented as a key benefit, offering resilience and censorship resistance. Regulatory bodies are increasingly examining how accountability and legal standing apply to entities exhibiting this form of distributed control.