# ACT-05 Loop and recursion detection

Domain: ACT Action & Tool Use Controls · HI-AAF v1.3 · Public review · https://humanintel.net/standard/act/act-05

Loop and recursion detection is implemented, with automatic suspension on suspicious patterns. In multi-agent topologies, MAS-05 extends detection across agents.

Loops in agent action sequences, repeated tool calls, circular reasoning patterns, unbounded retries, are detected and trigger automatic suspension. In multi-agent topologies, MAS-05 extends detection across agent boundaries. This control prevents runaway agents from consuming resources, taking repeated actions, or entering infinite loops that bypass rate limits through creative variation.

## Maturity

- L1 Ad hoc: Controls exist informally; documentation is incomplete; no consistent review.
- L2 Documented: Controls are written down; ownership is assigned; review cadence is defined.
- L3 Operated: Controls are followed in practice; evidence is collected; deviations are tracked. Published criterion for ACT-05: Loop detection is active for all production agents; suspension has been triggered in at least one test or production event; detection patterns are tuned to minimize false positives while catching genuine loops.
- L4 Measured: Control effectiveness is measured against documented thresholds; trends are reported.
- L5 Continuously Improved: Controls evolve based on incident learning; maturity gains are evidenced over time.

## Evidence an assessor asks for

- Loop detection is active for all production agents.
- Suspension has been triggered in at least one test or production event.
- Detection patterns are tuned to minimize false positives while catching genuine loops.

## Framework mappings

- NIST AI RMF: MANAGE 2.2
- OWASP LLM Top 10: LLM06
- SOC 2 (TSC): CC7.2
- EU AI Act: Art. 15(3)
- MITRE ATLAS: Execution
- Singapore: MAIGF Operations Management

Mappings are directional: meeting this control evidences but does not by itself satisfy the external requirement.

## Related

- Cites MAS-05 Cross-agent loop detection: https://humanintel.net/standard/mas/mas-05
- Cited by MAS-05 Cross-agent loop detection: https://humanintel.net/standard/mas/mas-05

## Cite this control

Human Intelligence. HI-AAF v1.3, ACT-05 Loop and recursion detection. Public review edition, July 2026. https://humanintel.net/standard/act/act-05