TechnologyAugust 20, 2026

gatekeeper

GAYT-kee-per

Definition

A person, process, or system that controls access to something and determines who or what is allowed through.

Etymology

Originating from Middle English, the word combines 'gate' and 'keeper' to describe an official responsible for guarding or controlling entry through a gate or portal.

In the news

AWS describes the AI agent as an 'orchestrator' rather than a 'gatekeeper,' meaning the agent itself should not be responsible for enforcing security boundaries.

AWS limits AI agents’ data access, even when manipulated

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