Definition ∞ On-chain accountability means that actions and transactions within a blockchain network are publicly recorded and verifiable on the ledger. This transparency ensures that all participants can independently audit and confirm the legitimacy of operations, from smart contract executions to governance decisions. It provides an immutable record of activities, making it difficult for malicious actors to conceal their actions. This public auditability forms a fundamental security and trust mechanism in decentralized systems.
Context ∞ On-chain accountability is a core principle often cited in discussions about the advantages of blockchain technology for transparency and anti-corruption. News reports frequently highlight how this feature provides a verifiable record for decentralized autonomous organizations or tracks the movement of funds, offering a high degree of oversight that contrasts with opaque traditional financial systems.