Proof of Burn (PoB)
Proof of Burn (PoB) is a blockchain consensus mechanism where participants “burn” (destroy) their tokens to prove commitment and earn the right to validate transactions or mine new blocks.
How Proof of Burn Works
In PoB, users send their tokens to an irretrievable address, permanently removing them from circulation. This act signals their investment in the network. The more coins a user burns, the higher their chances of being selected to validate blocks or earn rewards. It’s like Proof of Work, but instead of energy, users sacrifice tokens to secure the network.
Why PoB Matters
PoB reduces the environmental impact associated with mining while still deterring bad actors through economic cost. It also introduces deflationary pressure, which can impact token value over time. Though not widely adopted, PoB is explored as a creative alternative to energy-heavy consensus models and as a tool for long-term network commitment.