> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.soterislabs.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Public vs permissioned checks

> How much a check discloses depending on who is asking.

A verification check discloses different amounts depending on who is asking. A public check confirms the minimum needed to trust that a release exists and is current. A permissioned check, available to a permitted party, confirms more of the released record's metadata within that party's access.

## Disclosure by tier

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Public check">
    **Reader:** Anyone with a receipt

    **Discloses:** That a release exists, its version, and whether it is active or superseded.
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Permissioned check">
    **Reader:** A permitted party within scope

    **Discloses:** The above, plus visibility scope and the release metadata agreed for that party.
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

<Info>
  Permission widens which metadata is visible. It never crosses onto the issue side. Neither check exposes reasoning, evidence, prompts, scoring, private workpapers, or client data. The tiers themselves are defined in the [Access model](/start/access-model); the full exclusion list in [What verification excludes](/verification/what-verification-excludes).
</Info>