Timed Cryptography

Definition ∞ Timed cryptography refers to cryptographic techniques that incorporate a time-based constraint into their operations, making it computationally infeasible to decrypt or access data before a specified time. This often involves using Verifiable Delay Functions or other time-lock puzzles. It ensures information remains confidential or inaccessible until a future point.
Context ∞ Timed cryptography has applications in secure data release, delayed message decryption, and fair sequencing of transactions in decentralized systems. Researchers are exploring its use in preventing front-running in blockchain transactions and enabling truly decentralized lotteries. The challenge lies in creating robust, tamper-proof time delays that are verifiable by all participants.