Agency Graphs: A Design Framework for Composite Identity and Probabilistic Trust

This paper introduces agency graphs, queryable probabilistic graphs for modeling composite identity, delegated control, and trust across heterogeneous digital systems. It argues that identity is composite, trust is probabilistic, roles emerge from relationships, and agency cascades through those relationships. This framing is intended for environments where communities act across multiple systems without a single authority or stable directory. The paper develops the supporting vocabulary, surveys applied domains, and closes with what was built and what remains open.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2026-04-24
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20040595
Primary Topic
Access Control and Trust
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Agency Graphs: A Design Framework for Composite Identity and Probabilistic Trust

Andrew Schwab
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Access Control and Trust
article

Agency Graphs: A Design Framework for Composite Identity and Probabilistic Trust

Andrew Schwab
article en

Abstract

This paper introduces agency graphs, queryable probabilistic graphs for modeling composite identity, delegated control, and trust across heterogeneous digital systems. It argues that identity is composite, trust is probabilistic, roles emerge from relationships, and agency cascades through those relationships. This framing is intended for environments where communities act across multiple systems without a single authority or stable directory. The paper develops the supporting vocabulary, surveys applied domains, and closes with what was built and what remains open.

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Openalex Percentile: Top 4%
Access Control and Trust
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