Crypto researcher Justin Bons has sparked controversy regarding Ripple’s XRP consensus model, arguing that it is fundamentally centralized despite claiming to be based on trust. His claims are supported by screenshots from Ripple’s official documentation revealing the selection process for validators heavily relies on trusted individuals and curated lists, potentially restricting decentralization. While critics like Bons see this as a sign of centralization, XRP supporters counter that the model offers security and efficiency advantages. Bons highlighted how consensus depends solely on the chosen nodes included in these UNLs, raising concerns about control and limit to true decentralization. Ripple’s defense centers on prioritizing validator performance, compliance, and preventing Sybil attacks through the use of UNL-based system. However, Bons’ claims fuel ongoing debate around whether XRP truly embodies the decentralized ethos of blockchain technology.