Query Logging
The practice of recording AI system inputs and user queries to enable audit trails, detect misuse, and support accountability.
Definition
A foundational capability in governance that captures every user request, input parameters, timestamp, user ID, and system response. Logs are stored securely with integrity checks and access controls. Query logs support forensic analysis of incidents (e.g., policy violations), usage analytics, debugging, and compliance reporting (e.g., proof of consent). Governance defines retention periods, anonymization policies, and regular audits of log integrity.
Real-World Example
A healthcare chatbot logs each patient query (anonymized ID), the AI’s response, and confidence score. When a privacy complaint arises, the compliance team retrieves relevant logs to verify what data was requested or shared—demonstrating accountability and enabling corrective action.