Definition ∞ Hash commitment refers to a cryptographic technique where a party commits to a specific value without revealing it immediately. This is achieved by publishing a hash of the value, which acts as a digital seal. Later, the party can reveal the original value and its hash, allowing others to verify consistency. This method ensures data integrity and prevents retroactive alteration.
Context ∞ Hash commitment is a foundational cryptographic primitive often mentioned in technical discussions surrounding blockchain protocols and zero-knowledge proofs. In crypto news, it provides context for understanding how certain privacy-enhancing technologies or secure multi-party computations operate. This technique is essential for maintaining trust and verifiability in decentralized systems without exposing sensitive information prematurely. It underpins many advanced cryptographic applications.