Onchain Fairness

Definition ∞ Onchain fairness refers to the equitable and transparent execution of transactions and operations on a blockchain. This concept addresses the prevention of manipulative practices, such as front-running or transaction reordering, that can disadvantage participants in decentralized finance and other blockchain applications. It seeks to ensure that all network participants have an equal opportunity and that transaction outcomes are determined solely by the protocol rules, free from external influence or preferential treatment. Achieving this often involves cryptographic techniques or specific protocol designs.
Context ∞ The pursuit of onchain fairness is a significant challenge and an active area of research in blockchain technology, particularly in addressing issues like Maximal Extractable Value. News frequently covers new protocol designs and cryptographic solutions aimed at mitigating front-running and ensuring more equitable transaction ordering. The ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and integrity are crucial for the long-term viability and trustworthiness of decentralized systems.