# Record Linkage **Entity class:** Identity-Resolution Layer concept **Record Linkage** is an identity-resolution concept used to decide whether heterogeneous records refer to the same real-world entity. Within a predictive graph, Record Linkage helps separate recorded evidence from the hidden state inferred from that evidence. ## Counterterrorism predictive-graph role A relationship or identity match is an evidence-bearing hypothesis with source, time, and confidence. It is not guilt by association. The analytic state should distinguish ground truth, observed evidence, inferred state, and predicted state. ## Relationships - **domain router:** [[wiki/Identity Resolution|Identity Resolution]]. - **ontology neighbors:** [[wiki/Entity Resolution|Entity Resolution]] and [[wiki/Entity Matching|Entity Matching]]. - **synthesis:** [[wiki/Counterterrorism Predictive Graph|Counterterrorism Predictive Graph]] and [[wiki/Predictive Intelligence Loop|Predictive Intelligence Loop]]. ## Sources - [NCTC — Guidelines for Access, Retention, Use, and Dissemination of United States Person Information (accessed September 23, 2026)](https://www.odni.gov/files/NCTC/documents/RelatedContent_documents/NCTCGuidelines.pdf) - [IARPA — AGILE technical overview (accessed September 23, 2026)](https://www.iarpa.gov/images/research-programs/AGILE/AGILE_ModSim_-_Final.pdf) **As of:** 2026-09-23