From e24873e408912de7dc01deb5326d55c8d0a53a9b Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: EilidhRoss1 <98904290+EilidhRoss1@users.noreply.github.com> Date: Tue, 7 Jun 2022 08:56:15 +0100 Subject: [PATCH] SEO optimization --- notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md | 20 ++++++++++++++++---- 1 file changed, 16 insertions(+), 4 deletions(-) diff --git a/notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md b/notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md index e072ff8..0652a07 100644 --- a/notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md +++ b/notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md @@ -14,10 +14,6 @@ aliases: notes/deconstructing-decentralization.md # Overview -**What does decentralized mean?** - -There are two different common usages for the term 'decentralized' within crypto: (1) To describe the peer‐to‐peer network of computers that comprise a permissionless blockchain; (2) To describe how power or agency works within permissionless blockchain systems. Coalescing of these meanings and the complexity of blockchain technology results in misunderstandings of how 'decentralized' blockchain technology actually is. - * In Part I, Walch outlines the two key senses of the word “decentralized” within this space: describing how power operates in blockchain systems; and describing the network of computers that comprise a permissionless blockchain. * In Part II, Walch identifies and explores key themes within the commentary, such as the different domains where power is exercised in blockchain systems and the fluid nature of power concentration and diffusion in these systems. * In Part III, Walch explores examples of events which reveal sites of concentrated power in permissionless blockchain systems. @@ -35,6 +31,14 @@ There are two different common usages for the term 'decentralized' within crypto ## I. Mainstream Discourse Around ‘Decentralized’ Permissionless Blockchains +--- + +_**What does 'decentralized' mean?**_ + +_There are two different common usages for the term 'decentralized' within crypto: (1) To describe the peer‐to‐peer network of computers that comprise a permissionless blockchain; (2) To describe how power or agency works within permissionless blockchain systems. Coalescing of these meanings and the complexity of blockchain technology results in misunderstandings of how 'decentralized' blockchain technology actually is._ + +--- + * The terms ‘decentralized’ and ‘decentralization’ are ubiquitous in the discourse around blockchain technologies and cryptoassets. * Academic work, discussions within the crypto space, businesses, governments, international organizations, legislation. * It is rare to see clear explanations of ‘decentralized’ or ‘decentralization’ when the terms are used. @@ -89,6 +93,14 @@ There are two different common usages for the term 'decentralized' within crypto ## IV. Using ‘Decentralized’ to Make Legal Decisions about Blockchains +--- + +_**Is crypto 'decentralized'?**_ + +_There are sites of concentrated power in permissionless blockchain systems: core developers and mining pools. Usage of the term differs making its meaning uncertain. Decentralization is **dynamic**. 'Decentralization' is therefore ill-suited to be used as a legal standard._ + +--- + * The implications for law of making decisions about permissionless blockchains based on their level of decentralization are significant. * Decentralization’s **uncertain meaning makes it ill‐suited for a legal standard.** * As discussed in Part II, no one is sure what it means for a blockchain system to be decentralized.