iProov Released New AI Safety Protocol
The HAPS protocol provides a standardized framework to ensure human oversight of autonomous AI agent actions.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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iProov has published the Human Approval and Presence Specification (HAPS) protocol on GitHub. This open-source framework is designed to verify human intent before critical AI agent actions are executed.
Why it matters
The protocol addresses the need for clear boundaries between AI agency and human consent. By enforcing verified human approval, it aims to prevent AI agents from performing unintended or risky tasks.
The HAPS protocol is released under an Apache-2.0 license and includes a partial Rust reference implementation along with test vectors. It functions as a proof-agnostic framework, allowing integration with various methods used to verify human presence.
The players
iProov
iProov is a technology company specializing in biometric authentication and identity assurance solutions.
The details
The protocol operates by pausing agent actions, forcing a mandatory checkpoint where a human must review and approve the task. By distinguishing between broad agent permissions and specific, verified human approval, the system adds a layer of risk management to autonomous processes.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: iProov published the HAPS protocol.
The Tech Race
The release of HAPS follows the pattern of using the Apache-2.0 licensing model to foster collaborative development and industry standardization for security tools. This move positions the protocol as an open alternative to proprietary safety measures currently emerging in the competitive AI agent market.
For developers and organizations, the protocol offers a standardized way to integrate human-in-the-loop safety features into their existing AI workflows. It helps ensure that critical automated decisions remain under human control, reducing the risk of unauthorized or harmful agent actions.
The takeaway
Standardizing how AI agents request human approval is a necessary step for scaling autonomous systems safely. Implementing these protocols early can help organizations build trust and mitigate risks before autonomous agents become pervasive in critical infrastructure.
Further reading
For broader context on the development of secure autonomous systems, visit the Artificial Intelligence section.
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Should organizations be required to obtain human verification before allowing AI agents to perform critical tasks?
