What is async authorization for AI agents, and when should agents work asynchronously?
Async authorization lets an AI agent pause a task that needs permission, send an approval request to the right person outside the conversation, such as by push notification, Slack or email, and continue only after approval. Agents should work asynchronously for long-running tasks, actions needing sign-off, and work that spans hours or several systems.
Sync vs async agents
When to use async
- The task needs a manager or owner to approve (access, refunds over a limit).
- Steps depend on slow systems or other people.
- The agent works overnight or across time zones.
- Many items must be processed in bulk.
Design tips
Make approval requests specific (who, what, why, risk), set expiry times, log the decision, and tell the requester the status.
