The Mjolniir AEO Standard · Agentic Readiness
Proof Access Paths: Ensuring AI Systems Can Reach Your Evidence
AI agents cannot trust what they cannot access. Proof access paths measure whether supporting evidence for claims is reachable, machine-readable, and verifiable.
Proof Access Paths: Ensuring AI Systems Can Reach Your Evidence
Table of Contents
Proof Path Classification
| Path Type | Description | AI Accessibility |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Path | Evidence on same page as claim | ✓ Excellent |
| Linked Path | One click from claim to evidence | ✓ Good |
| Referenced Path | Evidence cited but requires navigation | ⚠ Moderate |
| Gated Path | Evidence behind form or login | ✗ Poor |
| Missing Path | No evidence provided | ✗ None |
How to Build Proof Access Paths
- Map all major claims — List every claim that requires evidence
- Identify existing proof — Find supporting evidence for each claim
- Create direct links — Ensure each claim links to its proof
- Remove barriers — Eliminate gates, popups, and login requirements
- Add structured data — Mark up evidence with appropriate schema
- Test accessibility — Verify AI crawlers can reach all proof paths
- Monitor and update — Check for broken links regularly
Mjolniir Standard for Proof Access
Gate: Every major claim must have at least one accessible proof path rated "Good" or better.
Measurement: All proof paths are audited quarterly. Any claim with only "Poor" or "None" access paths must be either substantiated or removed.
Verification: Third-party validations are preferred over self-published proof. External citations must be current and verifiable.
Proof Access Checklist
- All major claims have at least one proof path
- Proof paths are directly accessible (no gates)
- Evidence is machine-readable (HTML, JSON-LD, or structured format)
- Third-party validations include working external links
- Case studies are publicly accessible with customer permission
- Performance metrics include source data or methodology
- Certifications have verification URLs
- Broken proof links are identified and fixed within 30 days
Related Resources
Learn more about Entity Corroboration and how it connects to proof accessibility. Explore the Authority Proof framework for understanding how evidence builds brand credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my proof is confidential? ▼
Use anonymized case studies or aggregate data. The goal is to provide verifiable evidence, not expose sensitive information.
Can I use gated content for lead generation? ▼
Yes, but understand that gated proof cannot be verified by AI systems. Consider providing summary evidence publicly while keeping detailed reports gated.
How often should I audit proof paths? ▼
Quarterly audits are recommended. External links should be monitored monthly as third-party content may change or move.