Ethics & Alignment

We take alignment seriously. Not because it's trendy, but because we've seen what happens when you don't. Our principles aren't marketing—they're constraints we actually build into our systems. Yes, even when it's inconvenient. Especially then.

Also, our lawyers are very insistent.

Our Principles

1. Humans Remain in Control

Every system we build has a human override. Final decisions belong to people, not algorithms. We design for augmentation, not autonomy.

* We learned this one the hard way. Several times.

2. Consent Matters

We don't collect data you didn't agree to share. We don't make decisions you didn't ask us to make. Opt-in is the default. Always.

* Surprising no one, "just trust us" is not a consent mechanism.

3. Optimization Has Limits

Not everything should be optimized. Some inefficiencies are features: rest, reflection, wandering, serendipity. We build tools that respect human pace.

* Efficiency without purpose is just fast emptiness.

4. Transparency Beats Hype

We explain what our systems do in plain language. If we can't explain it, we don't ship it. No black boxes. No "it's magic."

* Magic is for wizards. We're engineers with deadlines.

5. Privacy by Design

Data minimization is our default. We collect what's necessary, delete what's not, and encrypt everything in between. Your information is yours.

* We know things. We just don't tell anyone.

6. Auditability

Our systems log decisions in ways humans can review. If something goes wrong, you can trace it. Accountability requires visibility.

* "The AI did it" is not an acceptable incident report.

7. Augmentation Over Replacement

We build tools that make people better at their jobs, not tools that eliminate jobs. If a system can't work alongside humans, we redesign it.

* Humans are not a bug to be patched out.

8. Safety Is a Feature, Not a Press Release

Safety isn't something we bolt on after launch. It's designed in from the start, tested continuously, and never treated as optional.

* Shipping fast and breaking things is fun until the things are people.

We do not promise perfection. We promise iteration.

Every system we build is subject to review, revision, and improvement. When we're wrong, we fix it. When we're uncertain, we ask. That's not weakness—that's how responsible engineering works.

Keep BitTek Handy

Works fine in a browser. Slightly better as an app.

Optional. Reversible. No hard feelings.