Validator Committees

Definition ∞ Validator committees are groups of selected nodes responsible for proposing and verifying blocks, and ultimately reaching consensus on the state of a blockchain network. These committees are often employed in Proof-of-Stake or delegated Proof-of-Stake systems to enhance scalability and efficiency by distributing validation tasks. Members are typically chosen based on factors like staked capital or reputation, and they play a critical role in maintaining network security and integrity. Their collective agreement ensures the accurate progression of the blockchain.
Context ∞ The formation and performance of validator committees are often featured in crypto news, especially concerning the decentralization and security models of various Proof-of-Stake blockchains. Discussions frequently address the selection mechanisms, potential for collusion, and the overall resilience of these committees against attacks. Ongoing research aims to optimize committee size and rotation to strike a balance between efficiency and robust decentralization. The effectiveness of these committees is crucial for the operational stability and trustworthiness of many modern blockchain protocols.