# AVS (Actively Validated Service)

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**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A service that borrows cryptoeconomic security from restakers — typically via EigenLayer — instead of bootstrapping its own validator set. AVSs can include data availability layers, oracles, bridges, or sequencers. Operators run AVS software; restakers opt in and accept additional slashing conditions. AVS design is central to the 2024–2026 restaking narrative. Also searched as: actively validated services, EigenLayer AVS.

## Related reading

- [EigenLayer Overview](https://decentralized-finance.io/article/eigenlayer/)
- [What Is Restaking / EigenLayer?](https://decentralized-finance.io/learn/what-is-restaking-eigenlayer/)

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/avs-actively-validated-service/