Feature Flag Pattern Feature flags (LaunchDarkly, Unleash, Flagsmith) provide a clean implementation pattern for the break-glass mechanism. A feature flag named “system-active” defaults to true. The inference service checks this flag before processing each request. When break-glass is activated, the flag is set to false, and all subsequent inference requests return a suspension notice. Feature flags propagate globally within seconds; LaunchDarkly’s typical propagation time is under 200 milliseconds. The flag change is logged with the identity of the person who changed it and the timestamp, providing audit evidence. Feature flags also enable partial break-glass: specific model components or decision pathways can be disabled independently while the rest of the system continues to operate. The feature flag configuration is managed alongside the system’s version-controlled configuration. Key outputs

• Feature flag “system-active” as break-glass mechanism
• Sub-200ms global propagation
• Logged with identity and timestamp
• Partial break-glass capability for specific components