Authorization for AI Agent Actions
AI agent authorization means controlling what actions an agent can perform based on the user's permissions, the action's risk level, and the current context. Without authorization, agents can perform any action their tools allow — including destructive operations, data exfiltration, and financial transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do AI agents need authorization controls?
AI agents have access to tools that can read files, query databases, send emails, and execute code. Without authorization, any user prompt could trigger any tool. Authorization ensures agents only perform actions the user is permitted to do.
How do you implement authorization in AI agents?
Three levels: (1) Tool-level: restrict which tools are available per user role. (2) Action-level: require approval for high-risk actions (financial, destructive). (3) Data-level: filter what data the agent can access based on user permissions.
What is the principle of least privilege for AI agents?
Give agents only the minimum tools and permissions needed for their task. A customer support agent shouldn't have database write access. A research agent shouldn't have email sending tools. Limit the blast radius of any potential misuse.
How Inkog Detects This
Inkog identifies ToolCallNodes that lack corresponding AuthorizationCheckNodes. It flags high-risk tools (financial, destructive, communication) without user permission verification and detects patterns where tool access is not scoped to user roles.
npx -y @inkog-io/cli scan .