Distributed Integrity

Definition ∞ Distributed Integrity refers to the state where data consistency and correctness are maintained across a decentralized network of participants without reliance on a central authority. This property is achieved through cryptographic proofs and consensus mechanisms that ensure all network nodes agree on the validity of information. It guarantees that data cannot be altered or corrupted without detection by the network. This attribute is fundamental to blockchain technology.
Context ∞ The concept of Distributed Integrity is central to the security and trustworthiness of blockchain systems and decentralized applications. News frequently emphasizes this feature as a core advantage over centralized databases, particularly in discussions about data immutability and censorship resistance. Debates often involve the trade-offs between achieving high levels of integrity and maintaining network scalability and transaction throughput.