A heated debate has erupted within the cryptocurrency community regarding the perceived centralization of the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and several other prominent blockchain networks. Justin Bons, a noted crypto researcher and founder of Cyber Capital, has publicly condemned these networks, asserting that they fundamentally betray the core principles of decentralization central to the crypto movement. Bons explicitly called for the rejection of "centralized 'blockchains'," arguing that "requiring permission from an authority is not decentralized!"

Bons singled out networks such as XRPL, Stellar, Hedera, Canton, and Algorand, criticizing their reliance on what he terms "Proof of Authority," which he claims is inconsistent with true decentralized consensus. The XRP Ledger, in particular, faced harsh scrutiny due to its "Unique Node List" (UNL). Bons elaborated that this recommended list of validators effectively renders them permissioned, stating, "Ripple: Has a 'Unique Node List', which makes the validators effectively permissioned." He further accused Ripple's marketing efforts of successfully misleading "masses of ignorant retail investors" and even the SEC, claiming they presented XRP as more decentralized than Bitcoin and Ethereum.

In response to Bons' stinging accusations, David Schwartz, Ripple's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and one of the original architects of the XRPL, swiftly moved to refute the claims of centralization. Schwartz dismissed Bons' assertions as "objectively nonsensical," particularly the idea that Ripple could gain "absolute power & control over the chain" through the UNL. To illustrate the absurdity, Schwartz drew a parallel, stating, "This is as objectively nonsensical as claiming someone with a majority of mining power can create a billion bitcoins."

Schwartz also addressed concerns about potential double-spending or transaction censorship. He explained that individual nodes would not agree to such malicious actions unless deliberately configured to do so. While conceding that a conspiracy of validators could theoretically "halt the chain from the point of view of honest nodes" – which he identified as the XRPL equivalent of a dishonest majority attack – he emphasized that such an event would not enable double-spending. This defense underscores the network's design to protect honest participants, even in extreme scenarios. The ongoing exchange highlights fundamental disagreements within the crypto space on the definition and implementation of decentralization.