User Autonomy

Definition ∞ User autonomy refers to the capacity of individuals to exercise self-governance and independent control over their digital assets, data, and online interactions. In the context of blockchain and Web3, it implies that users possess direct ownership of their private keys and control their digital identities without reliance on centralized intermediaries. This principle is a core tenet of decentralized systems.
Context ∞ User autonomy is a central philosophical and technical discussion point in crypto news, often contrasted with the control exerted by centralized platforms. Debates frequently concern the trade-offs between user control and ease of use, as well as the regulatory efforts to balance individual rights with compliance requirements. The advancement of technologies that genuinely support user autonomy remains a key driver for the adoption of decentralized digital assets.