External Data Integrity

Definition ∞ External data integrity refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of information sourced from outside a blockchain network. For smart contracts, this involves verifying that data provided by oracles, such as asset prices or event results, is truthful and unaltered. Maintaining external data integrity is essential for preventing manipulation and ensuring the correct execution of decentralized applications. Compromised data can lead to significant financial losses.
Context ∞ The preservation of external data integrity is a central concern for decentralized applications that rely on off-chain information. Ongoing discussions address the implementation of robust oracle solutions, including multiple data sources and cryptographic proofs, to validate information before it reaches the blockchain. Future developments focus on creating more resilient and tamper-proof data pipelines to enhance the trustworthiness of external inputs.