XRP, the digital asset driving the Ripple network, has been the very center of controversy with regard to its level of decentralization for quite a long period, so the question is XRP centralized is very popular. In fact, some even go ahead to argue that XRP is centralized because of its close ties with Ripple Labs, while others believe its consensus mechanism and distribution of validators make it decentralized. This article will delve into what decentralization is essentially from a blockchain point of view and see if XRP{:target="_blank" rel="dofollow"} fits the bill.What is Decentralization?In simple terms, regarding cryptocurrency, no single entity holds control over a decentralized network. A typical Blockchain works on a distributed ledger kept by a decentralized network of various independent validators/miners. In a decentralized ecosystem, some vital features include the following:Decentralized authority: Not held by any single entity or government, power is distributed among many. Consensus mechanisms: Transactions are verified through protocols such as Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, and others, without relying on a central authority.Immutable Ledger: Once written, it cannot be easily altered or reversed. Safer and transparent. A trustless system: It does not rely on the action of one to keep the system fair and secure.Bitcoin and Ethereum have been majorly referred to as decentralized cryptocurrencies because anyone can verify through a consensus mechanism without the interference of a central authority. Is XRP Decentralized?Let's answer the main question -- is XRP decentralized? The debate over the status of XRP's decentralization follows from the fact that, unlike Bitcoin, which relies on miners, Ripple Labs has an important role in its development and adoption. First of all, XRP relies on some sort of weird consensus protocol called the XRP Ledger Consensus Protocol (XRPL), whereby mining does not exist but instead, validators confirm every transaction.Arguments for XRP Being CentralizedRipple Labs Influence: While the company, Ripple Labs, created 100 billion XRP tokens, the firm has been releasing the coins into the market in bits; it still holds a considerable portion in escrow accounts. That gave Ripple some control over the supply of XRP. Contrasting that with Bitcoin, which doesn't have any central control since it's mined by decentralized miners.Validator Selection: While anyone can run a node on Bitcoin, Ripple recommends a unique list of nodes-in other words, pre-approved validators-which maintain the XRP Ledger. Adding new validators is possible; however, critics say this influence by Ripple in choosing the validators makes the network less decentralized.Development Control: Further development of the XRP technology and also network improvements will still be very much dependent upon Ripple Labs as it pushes forward with the adoption and adherence to its products.Why XRP Is Considered DecentralizedValidators: The XRP Ledger makes use of a decentralized network of validators for the validation of transactions. Though Ripple suggests a UNL, other parties may run validator nodes; these include financial institutions, universities, and even operators themselves. No Mining Control: Unlike Bitcoin and Ethereum, large mining pools cannot centralize network power in XRP. This theoretically distributes power more evenly.Ledger Flexibility: Fully open source, the XRP Ledger is freely modifiable by developers in any way they see fit with no permissions from Ripple Labs.Is XRP Centralized or Decentralized?XRP lives a life of hybridity, being decentralized in validator participation and having an open-source ledger, yet centralized in composition, with Ripple highly involved in both the way tokens are distributed and in network governance. While the question is Ripple centralized is always popular, the company claims that XRP is decentralized because of the diverse nature of its validators, its overseeing hand in the essential development and distribution of XRP itself keeps the debate alive.Decentralization has something to do with validator participation in consensus, so at least partially, XRP centralized is decent. In as much as it extends into the matter of token supply control and leverage over governance processes, so is Ripple decentralized? Well, Ripple is more centralized compared to its Bitcoin or Ethereum counterparts.