Proof of Delay

Definition ∞ Proof of Delay is a cryptographic mechanism that requires a verifiable amount of computational work to be performed over a specific duration before a result can be obtained or revealed. This concept ensures that a certain time period must elapse, even with unlimited computational resources, before a secret or a transaction can be accessed. It introduces a guaranteed time constraint into digital processes. Such proofs are useful for ensuring fairness and preventing pre-computation attacks.
Context ∞ Proof of Delay is being explored in various blockchain applications, including fair leader election, verifiable random functions, and secure data release mechanisms. A key discussion involves designing proofs that are both efficient to verify and genuinely difficult to shortcut. News often highlights experimental protocols utilizing this concept to enhance the security and predictability of decentralized systems.