Decentralized exchanges work in the same manner that Bitcoin does. A decentralized exchange has no central point of control. Instead, think of it as a server, except each computer within the server is spread out worldwide, and an individual controls each computer that makes up one part of that server. If one of these computers turns off, it does not affect the network because plenty of other computers will continue running the network.
This is drastically different from one company controlling a server in a single location. Attacking something that is spread out and decentralized in this manner is significantly more difficult, making any such attacks unrealistic and likely unsuccessful.
Due to this decentralization, these types of exchanges cannot be subject to the rules of any regulatory body, as no specific person or group is running the system. The individuals who participate come and go, so there is no one individual or group that a government or regulatory body can realistically pursue. This means that those trading on the platform do not have to declare their identification and are free to use the platform in any manner they choose, whether legal or not.
