Validator Influence

Definition ∞ Validator influence refers to the degree of control or impact that network validators have over a blockchain’s operations, governance, or consensus. In proof-of-stake systems, validators are responsible for proposing and confirming transactions, and their stake size often correlates with their influence. Assessing validator influence is key to understanding network decentralization and security.
Context ∞ The distribution of influence among validators is a critical factor in the security and decentralization of proof-of-stake blockchains. Concentration of power among a small group of validators can lead to concerns about censorship or protocol manipulation. Analysts and developers frequently discuss mechanisms to mitigate excessive validator influence and ensure a more equitable distribution of network control.