Paul Krill
Editor at Large

Claude Code AI tool getting auto mode

news
Mar 25, 20262 mins

Anthropic is adding the function to handle permissions for users and reduce risks in running tasks.

image of a human and robot hand typing at a laptop
Credit: BLACKDAY / Shutterstock

Anthropic is fitting its Claude Code AI-powered coding assistant with an auto mode for the Claude AI assistant to handle permissions on the user’s behalf, with safeguards to monitor actions before they run.

Auto mode was announced March 24; instructions on getting started with it can be found on the introductory blog post. Currently being launched in research preview status for Claude Team users, this capability is due to roll out to enterprise and API users in coming days, according to Anthropic. The company explained that Claude Code default permissions are conservative, with every file write and Bash command asking for approval. While this is a safe default, it means users cannot start a large task and walk away.

Some developers bypass permission checks with --dangerously-skip-permissions, but skipping permissions can result in dangerous and destructive outcomes and should not be used outside of isolated environments. Auto mode is a middle path to run longer tasks with fewer interruptions while introducing less risk than skipping all permissions. Before each tool call runs, a classifier reviews it to check for potentially destructive actions such as mass deleting files, sensitive data exfiltration, or malicious code execution, Anthropic said. Actions deemed safe can proceed and risky ones are blocked, redirecting Claude to take a different approach.

Auto mode reduces risk compared to --dangerously-skip-permissions but does not eliminate it entirely. The classifier may still allow some risky actions: for example, if user intent is ambiguous or if Claude does not have enough context about an environment to know an action might create additional risk. It may also occasionally block benign actions. Anthropic plans to continue to improve the user experience over time.

Paul Krill

Paul Krill is editor at large at InfoWorld. Paul has been covering computer technology as a news and feature reporter for more than 35 years, including 30 years at InfoWorld. He has specialized in coverage of software development tools and technologies since the 1990s, and he continues to lead InfoWorld’s news coverage of software development platforms including Java and .NET and programming languages including JavaScript, TypeScript, PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, and Go. Long trusted as a reporter who prioritizes accuracy, integrity, and the best interests of readers, Paul is sought out by technology companies and industry organizations who want to reach InfoWorld’s audience of software developers and other information technology professionals. Paul has won a “Best Technology News Coverage” award from IDG.

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