Definition ∞ Decentralized data integrity refers to the assurance that information stored across a distributed network remains accurate, consistent, and unaltered, without reliance on a single central authority. This property is achieved through cryptographic proofs and consensus mechanisms that validate data authenticity and prevent unauthorized modifications. It ensures that data cannot be tampered with by any individual entity.
Context ∞ In blockchain technology, decentralized data integrity is a core principle, providing the immutability and trustworthiness essential for digital assets and smart contracts. Debates often concern the trade-offs between data availability, privacy, and the computational costs of maintaining high integrity across large networks. Advances in zero-knowledge proofs and data availability layers aim to enhance this property for scalable decentralized applications.