Proposer Fairness

Definition ∞ Proposer fairness is a property in blockchain consensus mechanisms ensuring that all eligible validators have an equitable opportunity to propose new blocks. This fairness prevents any single entity from consistently dominating block production, which could lead to centralization or censorship. Proposer fairness is a design goal for robust and decentralized networks. It promotes a more even distribution of rewards and influence among network participants.
Context ∞ Proposer fairness is a critical discussion point in the design and evaluation of proof-of-stake blockchain protocols. News reports often analyze the mechanisms employed by various networks to achieve this goal, such as random selection algorithms. Concerns about proposer centralization or unfair advantage can impact a network’s perceived decentralization and security. Ongoing protocol upgrades frequently aim to improve the fairness of block proposer selection.