Definition ∞ Emergency action within blockchain protocols refers to pre-defined or community-approved procedures to address critical and unforeseen system failures or security breaches. These actions allow for rapid intervention to prevent further damage or loss of assets. They often involve temporary protocol freezes, upgrades, or even state rollbacks. The objective is to preserve the integrity and functionality of the network during crisis events.
Context ∞ News reports frequently cover emergency actions taken by decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) or core development teams following significant exploits or vulnerabilities. A central discussion involves the balance between decentralization principles and the need for swift, decisive action during emergencies. Future governance models are exploring more robust and transparent mechanisms for authorizing and executing such critical interventions. These events highlight the evolving nature of risk management in permissionless systems.