Proof of Active Support

Definition ∞ Proof of Active Support is a consensus mechanism or verification method that requires participants to demonstrate ongoing engagement with a network or protocol. This typically involves actions such as consistently validating transactions, contributing resources, or participating in governance decisions to prove commitment. Unlike simple staking, it often demands continuous operational presence and correct behavior to maintain network security and functionality. Penalties may apply for inactivity or malicious actions.
Context ∞ News often reports on protocols experimenting with Proof of Active Support variations to enhance network decentralization and security by incentivizing consistent, honest participation. This mechanism addresses concerns about passive validators in some Proof-of-Stake systems. The design of effective incentive structures and detection of inactive or malicious behavior remain active areas of development.