The recent debate surrounding Ripple and XRP Ledger revolves around the question of how decentralized the network truly is. Justin Bons, a blockchain researcher, argues that XRP is centralized and permissioned due to its reliance on Unique Node Lists (UNLs). Bons claims that this design, based on proof of authority (PoA), goes against the trustless frameworks of proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS). Bons also asserts that the Ripple Foundation has excessive control over the network, citing dynamic changes to UNLs as evidence of centralized oversight. Ripple's CTO, David Schwartz, defended the network, stating that validators have minimal influence over fairness and security. He emphasized that XRP's design minimizes the potential for concentrated control and allows for other node operators to ignore non-compliant nodes. Schwartz argues that decentralization encompasses more than just technical aspects and believes that XRP's unique structure does not make it centralized.



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