Definition ∞ Relativistic security is a concept in cryptography and distributed systems that considers the speed of light as a fundamental constraint on information propagation and, consequently, on the security guarantees of a protocol. It posits that security properties might depend on the relative speeds and locations of participants, particularly in globally distributed networks. This framework acknowledges that instantaneous global consensus is physically impossible, leading to security models that account for network latency. It is relevant for protocols requiring rapid agreement.
Context ∞ Relativistic security is a theoretical consideration gaining relevance in advanced blockchain research, particularly concerning the limits of global consensus and transaction finality. The discussion centers on designing protocols that remain secure even when accounting for the physical delays in communication across a decentralized network. A critical future development involves applying these principles to create more robust and efficient distributed ledger technologies that operate securely at global scales.
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