<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<reference anchor="I-D.jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension" target="https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/draft-jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension-00">
   <front>
      <title>Web4 Sovereign Entity Comprehension: Requirements and External Conformance Framework</title>
      <author initials="T." surname="Jacobs" fullname="Tim Jacobs">
         <organization>KTS Global</organization>
      </author>
      <date month="August" day="4" year="2026" />
      <abstract>
	 <t>   This document defines requirements and an external conformance
   framework for sovereign Machine Entity Comprehension (MEC) systems
   operating in Internet-connected or Internet-capable environments.

   MEC is defined as an externally observable capability.  A conforming
   system preserves entity identity across changing contexts,
   distinguishes similar but separate entities, determines relevant
   relationships and constraints, responds appropriately to material
   changes, handles contradictory assertions, and produces repeatable
   outcomes under equivalent declared conditions.

   The framework evaluates behavior through controlled inputs, pre-
   registered reference outcomes, declared system state, and observable
   outputs.  It does not prescribe or disclose internal representations,
   implementation algorithms, source code, deployment architecture,
   confidential operational methods, or other implementation-specific
   mechanisms.

   The document also defines operational-sovereignty requirements for
   systems intended to remain under operator control and retain declared
   core capabilities without dependence on an external intelligence
   service.  A minimal, implementation-neutral conformance record
   supports comparable reporting across heterogeneous systems.

	 </t>
      </abstract>
   </front>
   <seriesInfo name="Internet-Draft" value="draft-jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension-00" />
   
</reference>
