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API keys vs warrants for AI agents

An API key says who is calling. A warrant says what may be done, how much, and until when. For an autonomous agent, the difference is the whole ballgame.

Side by side

API keyWarrant
Scopeall-or-nothingexact resources & actions
Spend capnonecumulative, enforced
Expiryuntil rotatedbuilt in
Delegationcopy the key (!)attenuate (only narrows)
If stolenfull accessholder-bound = useless
Revoke one taskrotate (breaks everyone)revoke by id (cascades)

Use both

Keep your API key server-side to issue warrants; give agents only the warrants. Your key never leaves your infrastructure; agents only ever hold narrow, expiring authority. See API keys for agents.

Give your agents permission, not your keys.

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