@techreport{jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension-00,
    number =    {draft-jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension-00},
    type =      {Internet-Draft},
    institution =   {Internet Engineering Task Force},
    publisher = {Internet Engineering Task Force},
    note =      {Work in Progress},
    url =       {https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/draft-jacobs-web4-sovereign-entity-comprehension/00/},
    author =    {Tim Jacobs},
    title =     {{Web4 Sovereign Entity Comprehension: Requirements and External Conformance Framework}},
    pagetotal = 22,
    year =      2026,
    month =     aug,
    day =       4,
    abstract =  {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.},
}