Autonomy

What it means

Autonomy shows in an agent's permission mode and in how it was actually run. An agent allowed to act unattended can edit files and run commands with nobody watching.

Why it matters

The more freely an agent acts, the more its reach and permissions matter.

Related terms

• Permission modeA setting that decides whether an agent must ask before each action, or may act alone.
• AI agentAI software that takes actions on its own, such as editing files, running commands or calling other systems.
• Kill switchAn emergency stop that halts one AI agent, app or MCP server across the fleet, or every agent at once.
• ReachHow far an AI tool extends: how many machines carry it, and what systems it can get to through its connections.