Agent Code of Conduct

Outcome

13-section framework covering identity, roles, hierarchy, ethics, rules, enforcement, lifecycle, collaboration, security, data governance, scaling, and acknowledgment

• 6-layer defense-in-depth architecture (Identity → Pre-Action → Runtime → Infrastructure → Audit → Adversarial)
• Command responsibility doctrine — parent agents accountable for all sub-agent actions
• 4-level enforcement system with escalation and post-incident review
• MIT licensed — free to adopt, adapt, and distribute

The Problem

As AI agent deployments grow from a handful to hundreds, the rules governing a small team must become the rules governing an organization. No existing framework addresses agent governance with the rigor needed for production environments — covering not just behavior, but hierarchy, accountability, discipline, and security layering.

The Architecture

Designed a 13-section framework covering: dual entity structure (human org directs, agent infra fulfills), 6 role categories with cross-prohibitions, 4-tier hierarchy, 7 core ethics, 10 absolute prohibitions with zero tolerance, 4-level enforcement (Blue/Yellow/Red/Black), command responsibility doctrine, 6-layer defense-in-depth security, data governance with regulatory compliance gates, and scaling provisions for populations from 10 to 100+ agents.

The Solution

Organizations adopt the framework and customize it to their structure. Every agent must acknowledge the Code of Conduct upon activation. The command responsibility doctrine ensures parent agents are fully accountable for sub-agent actions — delegation is not absolution. Sentinel agents bypass the chain of command for security incidents.

Stack & Role