Give Agents Autonomy Without Losing Control
Authorize routine decisions while reserving consequential actions.
Separate decisions from consequences
Let an agent inspect files, choose implementation details, and run relevant tests within a defined scope. Reserve publishing, paid charges, deleting data, and external messages for explicit approval when appropriate.
State precedence
Broad permission to modify source must not silently authorize changes to production permissions. Put the rule in writing: approval gates override autonomy. Your environment’s policies and access controls still apply.
Avoid a permission loop
If a reversible choice is already authorized, the agent should make it and continue. Ask it to return for material decisions that cannot be inferred safely, not every choice of wording or component.
Make the handoff reviewable
Before asking to publish, the agent should complete the authorized implementation and validation. You can then review a concrete result instead of approving an abstract plan.