Outsourced Decryption

Definition ∞ Outsourced decryption is a process where the task of decrypting encrypted data is delegated to a third party. This is often employed in scenarios where direct decryption by the data owner is computationally infeasible or undesirable due to privacy concerns. The third party, possessing the necessary decryption keys or capabilities, performs the operation and returns the decrypted information.
Context ∞ Outsourced decryption is a relevant consideration in discussions about secure data management and privacy-preserving computation within blockchain contexts. Current discourse often examines the trust assumptions involved when relying on external entities for decryption and the potential risks associated with data exposure. Research is progressing on cryptographic techniques that minimize the trust required in outsourced decryption services, enhancing security and privacy guarantees.