Transaction Immutability

Definition ∞ Transaction immutability refers to the fundamental characteristic of a recorded transaction on a blockchain that prevents its alteration or deletion once validated and added to the ledger. This property ensures the permanence and integrity of all data entries. It means that once a transaction is confirmed, it becomes an unchangeable part of the historical record. This is a core security feature of decentralized systems.
Context ∞ Transaction immutability is a foundational principle that underpins the trust and security model of blockchain technology. A key discussion involves the legal and practical implications of unchangeable records, particularly in cases of error or fraud. Future developments may explore advanced cryptographic methods to allow for controlled, auditable modifications under very specific, pre-defined circumstances, without compromising overall integrity.