Censorship resistance refers to the inherent quality of a system or network that prevents any single entity or authority from controlling or suppressing information, transactions, or participation within that system. This resistance is achieved through decentralization and cryptographic principles.
In blockchain technology, censorship resistance ensures that transactions and data recorded on the blockchain are immutable and cannot be altered or censored by any centralized authority. It means that once information is added to the blockchain, it becomes part of a tamper-proof, public ledger that is accessible to anyone.
For cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, censorship resistance means that transactions cannot be blocked, reversed, or confiscated by governments or other intermediaries. This property is fundamental to the idea of financial freedom and ownership of one's assets.
Censorship resistance is a fundamental characteristic of blockchain and cryptocurrency systems, guaranteeing open access, transparency, and the ability to conduct transactions without interference from central authorities. It upholds principles of decentralization, transparency, and individual autonomy.