Human responsibility for AI systems
Who controls AI agents? And who remains responsible when an agent acts across sensitive information and human decisions?
Operators remain responsible for AI activity that affects access, information or decisions. They should maintain records that allow this activity to be reviewed.
A.I.R.A. publishes operator guidance, receives reports of concerns and makes incident findings available to the public.
How oversight is demonstrated
Oversight relies on documented responsibilities and evidence of system activity, alongside operational status information.
System status
Status indicators describe system operation. They do not replace activity records, current access controls or independent review.
Information to request from operators
- Ask who approved the domain, and when its agents were last updated.
- Ask who can halt it.
- Ask what the agents can reach.
- Ask what evidence is kept.
- Ask who reviews changes and corrections to the record.
The evidence standard for human control of AI
Published findings should identify their sources, review dates and correction history. Operators should be able to demonstrate who is authorised to intervene and how system activity can be inspected.
Attributable sources
Findings identify the evidence used in review.
Visible review dates
Records show when they were last reviewed, not just when they were written.
Correction history
Changes stay beside the original entry, with the reason logged.
Proven intervention
Records document a person’s authority and ability to pause the system.
The public interest
AI systems can support research and public services. Oversight helps people understand their use, raise concerns and review how incidents are handled.
Responsibility remains with the named operator throughout system operation and incident review.
Documents
Public information
The evidence standard for claims of control
Publication historyAIRA-PI-2026-0104
| Stage | Office | Date | Signature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepared | Public Information Office | Signed electronically | |
| Approved for release | Records Officer, Public Information Office | Signed electronically | |
| Last independent review | Independent reviewer, records | Signed electronically |
Use the document reference when citing this publication. Previous versions remain available with the correction history.
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