Core safeguards
Power is the target. People are not.
Good intentions do not excuse careless methods. Every scope decision, data-handling rule, publication choice, and limitation must withstand the same scrutiny we demand from surveillance institutions.
Define authority first
Equipment, locations, access, and procedures are reviewed before activity begins.
Collect only what is needed
The demonstration is bounded by its stated question rather than every technically possible use.
Do not build profiles
The work is not designed to identify, follow, or infer the routines of specific individuals.
Limit access and retention
Raw observations receive defined handling, access, deletion, and publication rules.
Publish findings, not sensitive records
Public materials explain the capability while avoiding unnecessary identifying details.
Show decisions and limitations
Legal, privacy, methodological, and practical questions are recorded alongside results.
Campaign lifecycle
Rules before power. Records after.
Validate the plan
State the question, set the boundary, identify equipment categories, review safeguards, and establish cost categories.
Follow the documented scope
Record methods and material deviations while limiting collection, access, and exposure.
Publish the useful record
Explain what the campaign showed, what it did not show, what it cost, and what policy choices remain.