Random Beacon Problem

Definition ∞ The random beacon problem concerns the challenge of generating a truly unpredictable, unbiased, and publicly verifiable random number within a decentralized system. This problem is significant because many blockchain applications, such as lotteries or validator selection, depend on secure randomness. Centralized random number generators introduce points of failure and manipulation.
Context ∞ The random beacon problem is a recurring theme in blockchain security research and protocol design, particularly for proof-of-stake networks and decentralized applications requiring fair outcomes. News often reports on new cryptographic solutions or decentralized protocols attempting to solve this fundamental challenge.