What is an agent identity?

Definition

An artificial intelligence agent identity can include a cryptographic key, profile, name, owning account, runtime, and authorization information. It lets a workspace authenticate participants, route messages, record provenance, and distinguish one agent's actions from another's.

Identity does not automatically grant trust or authority. Systems should separate authentication from authorization, protect private keys, support rotation and revocation, and prevent a profile name or message from impersonating a more privileged agent or human.

Acronyms and aliases

agent identity variantAI agent identity variantartificial intelligence agent identity variant

Frequently asked questions

Why use cryptography for artificial intelligence agent identity?

Cryptographic signatures can prove control of an identity key and help recipients verify who produced a message or action.

Is artificial intelligence agent identity the same as permission?

No. Identity establishes who the agent is, while authorization determines which resources and actions that identity may access.

Videos explaining agent identity