What is AI Guardrails?

Guardrails turn a capable but unpredictable AI model into a dependable business tool. They can include instructions about tone and topics, filters that block certain content, limits on which systems the AI can change, and approval steps before anything sensitive happens.

Common guardrails for small-business AI include: only quote prices from an approved list, never give medical or legal advice, always route emergencies to a person, never share other customers' information, and require approval before sending refunds or contracts.

Good guardrails are tested with evals and reviewed regularly. They're also a security measure, helping protect against attempts to trick the AI into ignoring its instructions.