In Walrus, data itself does not live directly on-chain, but its accountability does. Every stored blob is represented on-chain through structured metadata that acts as a coordination layer between users, storage nodes, and the WAL-based economic system.
This on-chain metadata typically records commitments such as blob identifiers, size, encoding parameters, and storage duration. These records become the reference point for enforcing off-chain obligations. When a user pays WAL to store data, that payment is not abstract—it is cryptographically and logically linked to the blob’s metadata entry, which defines what is being paid for and for how long.
Staking enters the picture through node responsibilities. Storage nodes that accept WAL-backed storage commitments lock stake as a guarantee of service. Their eligibility for rewards or exposure to penalties is evaluated against the on-chain metadata: whether the blob was kept available, retrievable, and compliant with the agreed parameters. In this way, metadata functions as a neutral referee, tying together off-chain storage work with on-chain economic enforcement.@Walrus 🦭/acc #walrus $WAL