Real-Time Penalty

Definition ∞ A real-time penalty is a consequence or deduction applied immediately when a participant fails to meet specific operational requirements in a decentralized system. This punitive measure is executed without delay upon detection of non-compliance. It serves as a strong disincentive for misbehavior or inactivity, promoting continuous adherence to protocol rules. Such penalties are critical for maintaining system integrity and responsiveness.
Context ∞ In proof-of-stake blockchains, real-time penalties, often termed slashing, are applied to validators for offenses like double-signing or extended downtime. News frequently covers the impact of these penalties on validator behavior and network security. The effectiveness of real-time penalties is a key aspect of maintaining validator liveness and deterring malicious actions within the consensus mechanism.