The Ethereum Classic community has published a Declaration of Independence, articulating the core principles that define the project and differentiate it from other blockchains.
Core Principles
Immutability
We believe that blockchain history should not be altered. Transactions that have been confirmed should remain confirmed, regardless of their nature or the identities involved.
Decentralization
No single entity should control the network. Power should be distributed among miners, developers, and users, with no central authority capable of dictating protocol changes.
Censorship Resistance
The network should process valid transactions regardless of their content or the parties involved. No transaction should be blocked based on external pressure.
Open Development
Protocol development should be open and transparent, with decisions made through community consensus rather than corporate control.
Code is Law
The principle of "Code is Law" means that smart contracts execute exactly as written. While this may sometimes produce unintended results, altering the blockchain to reverse such outcomes undermines the foundational trust in the system.
Moving Forward
Ethereum Classic represents a commitment to these principles, providing a platform for those who value immutability and decentralization above all else.
Read the full declaration at the Ethereum Classic website.