Definition ∞ A MEV Mitigation Mechanism refers to any protocol design or strategy intended to reduce or eliminate the negative impacts of Miner Extractable Value (MEV). MEV arises from the ability of block producers to profit by ordering, censoring, or inserting transactions within a block. Mitigation mechanisms seek to level the playing field, ensuring fair transaction processing and preventing undue advantage. They aim to restore fairness and predictability to block production.
Context ∞ MEV Mitigation Mechanisms are a central and ongoing area of innovation and debate within blockchain development, particularly for networks like Ethereum. News frequently covers new proposals and implementations, such as proposer-builder separation (PBS) and various forms of transaction ordering auctions. The critical discussion centers on balancing decentralization and security with efforts to counter predatory MEV extraction. Future developments will focus on creating more robust and equitable transaction inclusion processes that protect users from hidden costs.