Definition ∞ Unpredictable public randomness refers to a source of random numbers that is verifiable by anyone, yet impossible for any participant to influence or predict before its generation. This property is crucial for fair selection processes and security in decentralized systems. It ensures that outcomes, such as validator selection or prize distribution, cannot be manipulated by malicious actors. Such randomness is a vital cryptographic primitive.
Context ∞ Unpredictable public randomness is a critical element in the security and fairness of many blockchain protocols, particularly in proof-of-stake systems and decentralized applications requiring random outcomes. Crypto news often discusses the methods used to achieve this, such as verifiable random functions (VRFs) or beacon chains. The integrity of these randomness sources is paramount for preventing collusion and ensuring equitable participation in network operations.
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