# Chain Validators

Chain validators operate the EO-Chain node software, creating blocks and processing transactions from [Data Validators](https://docs.eo.app/docs/concepts/data-validators).  They are globally dispersed and are unaffiliated with EO.&#x20;

Chain Validators enable aggregation modules (smart contracts) to receive, validate, and aggregate data. They store all the cryptographic proof of actions that occurred on the EO-Chain and make that information accessible to the public.&#x20;

Chain validators are critical to providing neutral aggregation and cryptographic attestations of validation. They provide the distributed infrastructure for an open, programmable, and efficient verifiable data layer. &#x20;