Definition ∞ A Transaction Pause is a temporary halt or suspension of transaction processing within a blockchain network or a specific smart contract. This action is typically initiated by administrators or governance mechanisms in response to critical security vulnerabilities, operational malfunctions, or regulatory directives. It stops the movement of assets or the execution of contract logic for a defined period. The objective is to prevent further damage or address an urgent issue.
Context ∞ News often reports on transaction pauses during major security exploits, protocol upgrades, or in response to regulatory mandates affecting centralized digital asset platforms or DeFi protocols. A key debate involves the trade-off between immediate risk mitigation and the fundamental principle of censorship resistance inherent in decentralized systems. Observing the circumstances under which such pauses are activated and the governance processes surrounding them provides critical insight into the true decentralization and resilience of various digital asset ecosystems.
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