What question did this study set out to answer?

The objective is to establish a method for proving the source of information an AI retrieves.

July 13, 2026Open Access

Signed retrieval: how do you prove which source an AI actually used?

MIMicky IronsMaryland Institute College of Art

Key Points

The objective is to establish a method for proving the source of information an AI retrieves.
Sealing each retrieved chunk with a hash of its source document and context into a signed audit record.
Using the Open Audit Record to sign artificial intelligence actions before execution.
Implementing an offline-verifiable system for data integrity.
Auditors can reconstruct and verify the entire evidence chain behind any AI answer successfully.
The method improves transparency regarding AI decision-making processes.
Post-quantum security measures enhance resistance to future cryptographic attacks.

Abstract

You prove which source an AI used by sealing each retrieved chunk, the hash of its source document and the exact context into a cryptographically signed audit record. An auditor can then reconstruct and verify the entire evidence chain behind any answer offline.Originally published at https://mickai.co.uk/articles/signed-retrieval-how-do-you-prove-which-source-an-ai-actually-used. Mickai is a Sovereign Intelligence Operating System; the Open Audit Record signs every artificial intelligence action before it executes, post-quantum and offline-verifiable. 104 filed UK patent applications, Mickai LTD (Companies House 17166618).

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