An Author is any individual or institution that originates a public claim that can be tested for truth.
Authorship is triggered by publication and impact—not consent. You do not need to opt in to:
Be associated with a statement
Be evaluated
Be challenged
Be judged
Public statements create public accountability. Participation is optional. Evaluation is not.
This principle is fundamental to how Objection works. If you have published a statement that makes a factual claim and it reaches a public audience, that claim is eligible to be challenged on Objection.