AI Policy (Governance)
The Foundational Question
"What instructions exist for AI communication with your business?"
AI Policy examines proactive communication channels between your business and AI systems through dedicated policy files.
What AI Policy Measures
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Policy File Presence | Do you have an llm.txt or ai.txt file? |
| Policy Completeness | How much guidance does the file provide? |
| Verification Status | Is the file properly deployed and accessible? |
| Instruction Quality | Are directives clear and actionable for AI? |
| Coverage Scope | What aspects of your business are addressed? |
Policy File Types
| File | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| llm.txt | Instructions specifically for Large Language Models | Emerging standard |
| ai.txt | Broader AI communication directives | Alternative format |
| robots.txt | Traditional crawler access control | Established standard |
Why AI Policy Matters
AI Policy files allow you to:
- Direct AI behavior — Tell AI what to emphasize or avoid
- Provide context — Help AI understand your business correctly
- Set boundaries — Define what AI should not infer or assume
- Ensure accuracy — Point AI to authoritative information sources
Policy Best Practices
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Be explicit | State facts clearly, don't assume AI will infer correctly |
| Prioritize accuracy | List authoritative sources for business information |
| Update regularly | Keep policy files current with business changes |
| Test accessibility | Verify AI can actually reach and read your policy files |
Key Insight
AI Policy is proactive governance — rather than hoping AI gets things right, you explicitly guide AI behavior regarding your business.