Which aspect of blockchain technology helps ensure data integrity?

The immutability of transactions is a fundamental aspect of blockchain technology that ensures data integrity. Immutability refers to the property that once data has been recorded in a blockchain, it cannot be altered or deleted without the consensus of the network participants. This characteristic is achieved through the use of cryptographic hashes, which securely link each block in the chain to its predecessor. Any attempt to change a block's information would require recalculating the hashes for not only that block but also all subsequent blocks, making such changes computationally infeasible due to the decentralized nature of the blockchain.

This level of security allows stakeholders to trust that the data present on the blockchain is accurate and unchangeable, thereby fostering confidence in its integrity. Data integrity is crucial in applications where trust, security, and accurate tracking of information are paramount, such as financial transactions, supply chain management, and identity verification.

While transactional transparency contributes to trustworthiness by allowing participants to see all transactions on the blockchain, it is the immutability that directly addresses the risk of data alteration. Centralization of data contradicts the principles of blockchain by creating a single point of failure, and while smart contracts can automate and enforce agreements on the blockchain, they do not primarily serve to ensure data integrity in