Definition ∞ History immutability refers to the property of a blockchain or distributed ledger where past records, once added and confirmed, cannot be changed or deleted. This characteristic is achieved through cryptographic linking of blocks, making any alteration to a past transaction immediately detectable. It forms a core security principle for digital asset systems.
Context ∞ Discussions about history immutability are central to understanding the security guarantees of blockchain technology, especially in news related to data integrity, auditability, and trust in digital assets. Any event challenging this immutability, such as a successful 51% attack on a Proof-of-Work chain, would be a major news item with significant implications for the affected asset. The concept is frequently contrasted with traditional centralized databases, highlighting a key differentiator of blockchain systems.