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CODE_OF_ETHICS.md

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CODE_OF_ETHICS.md

BlackVideo (Codename: Zephyra)

I. Preamble

BlackVideo is a modern multimedia platform built with the belief that software has a real impact on people, culture, and society. As developers, contributors, and collaborators, we recognize that our decisions influence user trust, safety, creativity, and access to information.

This Code of Ethics defines the principles that guide how BlackVideo is designed, developed, maintained, and shared. It serves as a framework for ethical decision-making, professional conduct, and accountability across the BlackVideo ecosystem.

This document applies to:

  • Core maintainers
  • Contributors and developers
  • Partners and extension authors
  • Anyone acting on behalf of the BlackVideo project

II. Fundamental Principles

1. Public Interest

We place the public good, user safety, and societal impact above all other interests.

Commitments:

  • Avoid building or enabling features that knowingly cause harm, abuse, or exploitation
  • Respect user privacy, consent, and autonomy
  • Promote accessibility, fairness, and inclusivity in design
  • Disclose known risks, limitations, or potential harms honestly
  • Cooperate with lawful and ethical concerns related to public safety

BlackVideo is not designed to facilitate illegal content, copyright abuse, or user surveillance.

2. Users & Clients

We respect users as the primary stakeholders of BlackVideo.

Commitments:

  • Protect user data and privacy by default
  • Be transparent about data usage, storage, and permissions
  • Avoid deceptive UI, dark patterns, or forced behaviors
  • Clearly communicate limitations, experimental features, and risks
  • Treat user feedback, concerns, and reports with respect

Users should always feel in control, not exploited.

3. Tools & Technologies We Use

BlackVideo uses modern technologies such as (but not limited to):

  • Tauri
  • Rust
  • React / TypeScript
  • Third-party APIs and SDKs
  • AI-assisted tools and services

Commitments:

  • Use tools responsibly and within their licenses and terms
  • Avoid dependency misuse, security negligence, or unsafe integrations
  • Clearly attribute third-party services when required
  • Avoid using illegally obtained software, APIs, or datasets

Tools are means — ethics guide how they are used.

4. Third-Party Services & Providers

BlackVideo integrates with external platforms and metadata providers.

Commitments:

  • Respect third-party terms of service and legal boundaries
  • Clearly distinguish between metadata, links, and playback
  • Avoid scraping, bypassing DRM, or violating platform restrictions
  • Ensure integrations do not mislead users about content ownership or availability

BlackVideo does not claim ownership of third-party content or trademarks.

5. Developers & Employers

We act in good faith toward contributors, collaborators, and potential employers or partners.

Commitments:

  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Be transparent about expectations, ownership, and responsibilities
  • Respect contributor time, effort, and intellectual contribution
  • Never exploit unpaid labor or misrepresent opportunities
  • Ensure equity, collaboration, and trust are earned — not promised vaguely

BlackVideo values fairness over speed and trust over control.

6. Product Quality & Responsibility

We strive to maintain high professional standards in everything we build.

Commitments:

  • Prioritize stability, security, and correctness
  • Avoid knowingly shipping harmful or deceptive behavior
  • Clearly mark experimental or unfinished features
  • Maintain accurate documentation
  • Accept responsibility for design and implementation decisions

Quality is not optional — it is a core ethical obligation.

7. Professional Judgment & Integrity

All contributors must exercise independent, honest, and responsible judgment.

Commitments:

  • Be honest about limitations, risks, and uncertainties
  • Disclose potential conflicts of interest
  • Avoid exaggerating capabilities or guarantees
  • Resist pressure to compromise ethics for convenience or popularity

Integrity matters more than recognition.

8. Community, Colleagues & the Profession

We are committed to fostering a healthy, respectful, and inclusive community.

Commitments:

  • Treat colleagues and contributors with respect
  • Give proper credit for ideas, code, and effort
  • Encourage learning, mentorship, and growth
  • Address unethical behavior fairly and responsibly
  • Never harass, discriminate, or abuse others

BlackVideo succeeds only if its community remains healthy.

9. Self-Responsibility & Growth

We commit to continuous learning and ethical awareness.

Commitments:

  • Improve technical competence and professional skills
  • Stay informed about ethical risks in evolving technologies (AI, data, media)
  • Reflect on the societal impact of our work
  • Uphold this Code even when it is inconvenient

Ethics evolve — so must we.

III. Conclusion

BlackVideo is more than a product — it is a responsibility.

By contributing to or representing BlackVideo, we agree to uphold this Code of Ethics and to act with integrity, transparency, and respect for the public interest.

We believe that ethical software is sustainable software, and that long-term trust matters more than short-term gains.

Note: This Code of Ethics may evolve as BlackVideo grows. Suggestions and discussions are welcome through approved project channels.