Agency preservation protocols are design principles and technical protocols for 'shared control' systems (like smart prosthetics or assistive devices where both the user and AI contribute to control) that ensure the user maintains the final authority and sense of agency (the feeling of being in control of one's actions), preventing the AI from overriding voluntary intent even when the AI thinks it knows better. These protocols address the critical concern that as AI becomes more capable in assistive devices, it might override user intentions 'for their own good,' potentially causing users to lose their sense of control and agency, which is essential for psychological well-being and effective use of assistive technologies.
This innovation addresses the fundamental question of control in AI-assisted systems, where balancing AI assistance with user autonomy is critical. By ensuring user authority, these protocols maintain the user's sense of control. Research institutions, designers, and ethicists are developing these protocols.
The technology is essential for ensuring that AI-assisted devices enhance rather than diminish user agency, where loss of control could undermine the benefits of assistive technology. As AI becomes more capable, maintaining user agency becomes increasingly important. However, defining agency, implementing technical safeguards, and balancing assistance with autonomy remain challenges. The technology represents an important area of design and ethics, but requires careful consideration of how to implement user authority in practice. Success could ensure that AI-assisted devices enhance user capabilities while maintaining their sense of control, but implementing these protocols effectively requires careful design and ongoing attention. The development of agency preservation protocols will be crucial for ensuring that AI-assisted neurotechnology serves users' interests while respecting their autonomy.
