Network Common Control

Definition ∞ Network common control describes a situation where a single entity or a coordinated group holds a disproportionate amount of influence or operational power over a decentralized network. This can manifest through control over a majority of mining power, validator nodes, or significant governance tokens. Such concentrated control compromises the fundamental decentralization principles of a blockchain.
Context ∞ Concerns about network common control are frequently raised in discussions regarding the true decentralization of various blockchain projects. This issue is particularly relevant for proof-of-stake networks where large token holders can wield considerable power. Maintaining a diverse distribution of control is a continuous objective for many blockchain communities to preserve network security and integrity.