Final answer:
An ethics-by-design approach is regarded as the initial method to balance user experience with human agency, reflecting a self-regulated model akin to Japan's animal testing regime. It includes ethical factors into the design process, paralleling the mixed regulatory methods observed in animal testing across different countries. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mechanism considered a "first check" in reconciling the conflict between streamlining user experiences and enabling human agency is An ethics-by-design approach. This method involves incorporating ethical considerations directly into product and service design processes. It's akin to having a framework that guides decisions around usability and agency to ensure that the product serves the user's needs while respecting their autonomy and privacy.
For instance, Stephen Latham's explanation of the regulatory spectrum in animal testing can be related to technology oversight. The ethics-by-design approach aligns with self-regulation, requiring individual companies to internalize ethical standards, similar to Japan's approach to animal testing. User testing and Regulations are additional methods, with user testing focusing on the practicality of user interactions and regulations ensuring compliance with established laws, reflecting the varied approaches used by countries like the UK for stringent controls and the US for a balanced method.