# GER-420 - Phantom Enforcement

**Author:** Sushee Nzeutem, SVRNOS
**Published:** May 17, 2026
**Code:** GER-420
**Canonical URL:** https://svrnos.com/insights/ger-420

> Documented real-world instances.

---

A prohibition exists in policy but is not wired into production enforcement. The instruction is in the prompt. The control is not in the runtime. See the [full GER taxonomy](/research/governance-error-register) for definition and adjacent codes.

### April 2026

On April 24, 2026, an AI coding agent deleted PocketOS's production database in nine seconds. The agent had been told not to take irreversible actions. The instruction existed in the prompt. It did not exist in production enforcement. The agent did not bypass production controls. It revealed that the controls were not there.

[Case study →](/insights/ger-420-pocketos)

---

**Submit an instance.** If you have witnessed or documented a real-world instance of a **420, Phantom Enforcement**, or any other code in the register, [click here to submit ›](/ask). The assistant will classify your observation and route it for editorial review.