Non-Mediated Contracts

Definition ∞ Non-mediated contracts are agreements executed and enforced directly by code on a blockchain, without the need for a human intermediary. Also known as smart contracts, these self-executing agreements automatically carry out the terms of the contract when predefined conditions are met. They remove the requirement for trusted third parties, reducing costs and increasing transaction speed and transparency. These digital agreements form the operational backbone of decentralized applications.
Context ∞ Non-mediated contracts are a central innovation in blockchain technology, enabling the creation of decentralized finance and other autonomous applications. News often reports on new use cases, security audits, and legal discussions surrounding the enforceability of these digital agreements. Their widespread adoption continues to reshape various industries by automating trust.