Validator Control

Definition ∞ Validator Control refers to the degree of influence or authority held by the entities responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the consensus of a proof-of-stake blockchain network. This control is typically proportional to the amount of staked assets held by individual validators or staking pools. Concentrated validator control can lead to concerns about censorship, network manipulation, or reduced decentralization. The distribution of staking power is a critical metric for network health.
Context ∞ Discussions about validator control are central to the security and decentralization debates surrounding proof-of-stake blockchains, especially after significant network upgrades or the rise of large staking services. News often highlights metrics related to the concentration of staked assets among a few entities or the potential for a “51% attack” scenario. Observing initiatives to promote more distributed staking, such as liquid staking protocols and smaller validator incentives, provides critical insight into the ongoing efforts to strengthen network resilience.