Fairness Mechanism

Definition ∞ A fairness mechanism is a design element within a blockchain protocol or decentralized application intended to ensure equitable treatment and prevent undue advantage among participants. These mechanisms aim to mitigate issues such as front-running, censorship, or unequal access to resources. They strive to create a level playing field for all network users.
Context ∞ Fairness mechanisms are critically important in decentralized finance (DeFi) and other blockchain applications where the ordering and inclusion of transactions can significantly impact outcomes for users. Ongoing research and development focus on improving these mechanisms, particularly in areas like transaction ordering and Maximal Extractable Value (MEV) mitigation, to uphold the principles of decentralization and user protection. The objective is to prevent manipulation and promote trust within the system.