Definition ∞ Public networks are decentralized blockchain systems that allow anyone to participate, view transactions, and validate blocks without permission. These open and permissionless ledgers, such as Bitcoin and Ethereum, are accessible to all, promoting transparency and censorship resistance. Participants can join as nodes, miners, or users, contributing to the network’s security and operation. Their design fosters broad participation and a high degree of decentralization.
Context ∞ The growth and challenges of public networks are consistently a major focus in cryptocurrency news, covering topics from scalability solutions to regulatory oversight. Debates often contrast their open nature with private or consortium blockchains. Their role as foundational infrastructure for digital assets and decentralized applications continues to expand globally.