Definition ∞ Decentralized signatures are cryptographic proofs of identity or authorization that do not rely on a central authority for verification. These signatures are generated and verified across a distributed network, ensuring data integrity and authenticity. They are fundamental to blockchain transactions, smart contract execution, and secure communication within decentralized systems. This mechanism removes single points of failure present in traditional signature methods.
Context ∞ The application of decentralized signatures is central to the security and trustlessness of blockchain technology and digital asset transactions. Current debates often concern the efficiency and scalability of different signature schemes, such as Schnorr signatures versus ECDSA. Future developments include advancements in multi-party computation and zero-knowledge proofs, which promise enhanced privacy and security for decentralized authorization mechanisms.