Trust-Minimized Verification

Definition ∞ Trust-minimized verification is a process of confirming the validity of data or computations with the least possible reliance on external, potentially untrustworthy, third parties. This approach prioritizes cryptographic proofs and transparent protocols to allow individuals to verify information directly. It reduces the need for intermediaries, thereby decreasing the attack surface and increasing system integrity.
Context ∞ In blockchain technology, trust-minimized verification is a fundamental goal, especially with the rise of zero-knowledge proofs and light clients. News frequently discusses how these technologies enable users to confirm the state of a blockchain or the correctness of off-chain computations without trusting a full node. This principle is central to building truly decentralized and censorship-resistant digital asset systems.