# Channel Custody **Entity class:** Concept or analytic term Channel custody is accountable control over the accounts, credentials, permissions, devices, services, and recovery paths through which communications are published. Custody determines who can speak, alter visibility, inspect analytics, redirect audiences, or restore operation. Strong custody uses least privilege, identity verification, auditable changes, independent recovery, and clear ownership transitions. It is distinct from mere access: a person may possess credentials without legitimate authority. Related: [[wiki/Channel Integrity|Channel Integrity]], [[wiki/Identity Assurance|Identity Assurance]], [[wiki/Authority–Identity Separation|Authority–Identity Separation]], [[wiki/Adversarial Resilience|Adversarial Resilience]]. ## Relationships <!-- BEGIN HUMANIZED RELATIONSHIPS 2026-09-11 --> This entry's documented connections are expressed in its definition and related-work routes, with provenance retained in the source-linked material. <!-- END HUMANIZED RELATIONSHIPS 2026-09-11 -->