Ethereum is designed to be transparent, meaning that anyone can review the rules of how the system works as well as the transfer details of any transactions on the network. This is a key feature of Ethereum, providing users and developers with confidence in the system's integrity, given that it is open to public scrutiny.
The rules that define how Ethereum functions are written in its protocol, which is both free and publicly accessible. Anyone can audit the code, review the mechanisms of how it should work, and verify the processes that determine the actual behavior of the network. This level of transparency makes the system predictable for its users and participants, with no hidden components or proprietary algorithms that might create unequal advantages.
In addition to the rules of the protocol, all transactions on the Ethereum blockchain are publicly visible. This means that any user can review transaction histories, account balances, the inner workings of applications and general activity on the network. While the identities behind the sending and receiving addresses remain pseudonymous, the details of every transaction are available for anyone to examine and verify, allowing for a widespread understanding of how the system is functioning.
With this level of transparency, Ethereum has built trust among its community and provided a contrasting alternative to the usual black boxes of traditional and commonly used service platforms.