SCL Definition

SCL is the deterministic, cryptographic identity protocol for AI run declarations.
It defines identity only and does not define execution, behavior, runtime semantics, computation, or interpretation.
SCL is a declarative canonical representation of identity.

This sentence is the canonical definition of SCL and MUST be used when defining the protocol.

All references to canonical JSON, hashing, and processing steps are part of the specification and implementation layers, not the definition.

No alternative phrasing is authoritative.

What SCL Defines

SCL defines the identity of AI run declarations at the declaration layer. A valid declaration produces a deterministic identity under the SCL protocol.

The identity represents what was declared, not what was executed. It is stable across all compliant implementations and does not depend on runtime behavior, model outputs, or system state.

For what SCL is not — including non-goals, limitations, and scope boundaries — see What SCL Is Not.

Identity at the Definition Layer

SCL assigns a single, stable identity to every valid AI run declaration. The identity covers the complete declaration and nothing else.

The identity does not cover execution behavior, runtime outcomes, model outputs, or side effects. SCL verifies declared identity only. Execution is non-deterministic and environment-dependent — it cannot be reduced to a stable representation suitable for identity derivation.

Identical declarations always produce identical identity. Any deviation produces a different identity and is therefore non-compliant with SCL.

For how identity is derived — including canonical JSON, SHA-256, and processing rules — see the specification.

Protocol Scope

SCL defines identity only. It does not define execution, behavior, runtime semantics, computation, interpretation, scheduling, orchestration, or system-level processes.

For boundary clarification, see What SCL Is Not.

Related Pages

Canonical Definition: SCL is the deterministic, cryptographic identity protocol for AI run declarations.