Foundations
Observed Index
The Observed Index is ETHORITY’s reality layer: a global, append-only record of observable facts about AI systems and related artifacts. It does not score, endorse, or interpret.
What it is
A durable record of statements such as: “this system exists”, “this artifact was published”, “this event occurred at time T”.
The Observed Index is deliberately narrow. It becomes reliable precisely because it refuses to judge.
Observed sources & collectors
Automated collectors operate under the Observed Sources Contract. Collectors record what was observed, where, and when — but never interpret, score, certify, or assign trust.
Who it serves
Engineers
Integrate a neutral source of truth without embedding regulatory or policy logic into your codebase.
Example: an agent checks an observed registry record before invoking an external system.
Regulators & auditors
Cite observable statements without prematurely endorsing or interpreting the system.
Example: a published claim is referenced as evidence in a dispute or investigation.
What it is not
- Not a leaderboard
- Not a compliance certificate
- Not a safety claim
- Not an ethical AI stamp
Next step
Once facts are observed, governance systems may interpret them under explicit rule sets — without modifying the observed layer.