Definition ∞ A formal trust model defines the specific assumptions about which participants in a system can be relied upon and to what extent. It mathematically or logically articulates the distribution of power, the behavior of actors, and the conditions under which security and liveness properties hold. This model forms the theoretical basis for assessing a system’s reliability.
Context ∞ In decentralized systems and blockchain protocols, the formal trust model is critical for understanding a network’s security guarantees and vulnerability to attacks. News often refers to these models when analyzing the robustness of different consensus algorithms or the implications of various governance structures. A transparent and well-understood trust model helps users and developers evaluate the integrity of digital assets and their underlying systems.