A decentralized protocol refers to a set of rules or guidelines that govern the operation of decentralized networks, enabling peer-to-peer interactions without centralized control. These protocols are built on blockchain technology, ensuring transparency, security, and autonomy in various applications, such as finance, communication, and data storage. Popular decentralized protocols include Ethereum, IPFS, and Polkadot, which allow for decentralized applications (dApps) and smart contracts. By removing intermediaries, decentralized protocols empower users, ensuring censorship resistance and promoting trustless environments for exchanging value or information.