PROOF Ethics & Governance Charter
The principles that guide how PROOF operates, protects users, and maintains integrity.
Preamble
PROOF exists to help people build a record of follow-through. It is not a game. It is not a competition. It is a tool for those who are serious about keeping their word.
This charter establishes the ethical framework that governs how PROOF operates, how data is handled, and how the community maintains its integrity.
Core Principles
Human Dignity First
PROOF never shames, ridicules, or exploits failure. Failure is data, not disgrace. Every person's journey is respected.
Radical Transparency
All commitments are public by design. There is no hiding. This transparency is the source of accountability, not surveillance.
Privacy Where It Matters
While commitments are public, personal details beyond what you choose to share are protected. We never sell or exploit your data.
Community Over Competition
PROOF is not a leaderboard game. Verification builds trust, not rivalry. We celebrate completion, not ranking.
Anti-Gaming Philosophy
PROOF is deliberately designed to resist manipulation. Here's how:
No Points Inflation
Completing easy, repetitive tasks doesn't build your standing. Difficulty and follow-through over time matter more than volume.
Language Over Numbers
We use status words ('Solid', 'Reliable', 'Trusted') instead of numeric scores. This prevents the gamification reflex.
Verification Has Limits
You can't verify your own commitments. Squad members verify each other, but the system tracks patterns to detect collusion.
Failure Is Recorded
There is no way to hide failures. They remain part of your permanent record. This isn't punishment — it's honesty.
Resets Are Rare
You get one reset per commitment. Using it requires public reflection. The community sees who keeps resetting vs. who finishes.
Status Tiers
Instead of numeric scores, PROOF uses language-based status tiers that reflect your track record:
Status is earned through consistent follow-through over time, not by gaming metrics.
Data & Privacy
What We Collect
Only what you explicitly provide: your commitments, check-ins, proof submissions, and verification actions. We do not track browsing behavior or sell your data.
What's Public
Commitments you create (unless marked squad-only), your status tier, completion rate, and verification history. Your email and personal details remain private.
Your Rights
You can export your full transcript at any time. You can request account deletion, though your commitment history may be anonymized rather than removed to maintain community verification integrity.
Community Standards
We Encourage
- Honest self-assessment
- Supportive verification
- Public reflection on failure
- Celebrating others' completion
We Do Not Tolerate
- Mocking or shaming failures
- False verifications
- Gaming systems for status
- Harassment of any kind
Commitment Transcript
Your PROOF Commitment Transcript is a portable credential that documents your track record. It includes:
- All commitments made (completed, failed, and abandoned)
- Verification levels achieved for each commitment
- Your overall status tier and completion rate
- Time-stamped history of your accountability journey
This transcript can be shared with employers, partners, mentors, or anyone who needs to verify your follow-through record. It's your proof of integrity.
This charter is a living document. As PROOF evolves, so will our governance. All changes will be communicated transparently to the community.
Last updated: December 2025 | Version 1.0