Security and governance

Guardrail

working definition

Definition

A rule, model, filter, policy check, or enforcement mechanism intended to constrain inputs, outputs, or actions of an AI system.

Distinguish it from nearby terms

Guardrail is a broad implementation term; a security boundary specifically prevents unauthorized effects even when another component misbehaves.

Check your understanding

State whether a guardrail advises, detects, blocks, contains, or reverses and who can bypass it.