Definition ∞ Stake accountability is a principle in proof-of-stake (PoS) blockchain systems where validators are held responsible for their actions through their staked cryptocurrency. If a validator behaves maliciously or negligently, a portion of their staked assets can be confiscated, or “slashed.” This mechanism incentivizes honest participation. It ensures validators adhere to protocol rules.
Context ∞ This concept is fundamental to the security and economic design of PoS protocols, ensuring that validators have a financial incentive to uphold network integrity. The specific rules and severity of slashing penalties are often subjects of protocol governance debates. News frequently covers discussions around optimizing stake accountability to prevent network attacks and maintain system stability.
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