Validator Decentralization

Definition ∞ Validator Decentralization describes the distribution of power and control among the entities responsible for validating transactions and maintaining the integrity of a proof-of-stake blockchain network. A high degree of decentralization means that a large, diverse set of independent validators participate, reducing the risk of collusion or censorship. This characteristic is fundamental to the security and censorship resistance of such networks. It prevents single points of failure.
Context ∞ Validator Decentralization is a critical ongoing concern for many proof-of-stake blockchains, including Ethereum. Discussions frequently address issues such as staking pool concentration, the influence of large institutional stakers, and the technical requirements for running a validator node. Efforts to improve decentralization involve protocol upgrades, educational initiatives, and the promotion of diverse client implementations to ensure network robustness and resilience.