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ICE Tea Data Ethics & Security Pledge

A living agreement for anyone handling data or communications in the ICE Tea network.

3 min read min read·Qualified Lesson

🛡️ ICE Tea Data Ethics & Security Pledge

Core Module (All Tracks)

As a member of the ICE Tea network, I commit to the following principles in all handling of data, communication, and community information.

This is not a checkbox. It’s a living agreement rooted in collective care and radical responsibility.

1. Data Belongs to the Community

  • All data — personal, logistical, tactical, or informal — is shared property held in trust by those acting in solidarity with impacted communities.
  • It is not the property of ICE Tea, any org, or individual volunteer.
  • I will only access, store, or share data when it serves the clear safety, empowerment, or consent of the people it concerns.

Examples of right use:

  • Securely sharing dispatch details with a verified legal observer during a response.
  • Encrypting a report that contains identifying info before storage.

Examples of misuse:

  • Downloading a full report log “just in case.”
  • Looking up user activity without a reason directly tied to care or coordination.

2. Minimize, Encrypt, Forget

  • I will collect only the minimum data needed to perform my role.
  • I will encrypt or compartmentalize sensitive information by default — not as an afterthought.
  • I will delete what’s no longer needed, and never hoard data “just in case.”

Hint

Hoarding data makes you a risk. Encryption makes you a shield.

  • I will not share personal stories, footage, or report data without explicit, informed, revocable consent.
  • If the context, platform, or risk changes, I will re-check consent, even if previously given.
  • I will respect “no” as a full answer — even if I disagree.

4. No Surveillance, No Collaboration

  • I will never use ICE Tea systems for surveillance, profiling, or internal policing.
  • I will not share data, access logs, or metadata with law enforcement, immigration agencies, or outside orgs — under any circumstances.

Warning

ICE Tea is not neutral. We are not data brokers. We are not “working with law enforcement.” Ever.

5. Decentralized Accountability

  • I recognize that some roles carry systemic or structural power.
  • While I occupy a role, I will act in ways that are:
    • Transparent
    • Justifiable
    • Revocable by the community
  • Power is temporary and only held with ongoing community consent.

6. We Break and Fix Things Safely

  • I will report and help fix any data breach, misuse, or risk — even if accidental.
  • I will help design systems to fail safely, never at the expense of vulnerable people.
  • I consent to participate in a community-driven restorative justice model if my actions cause harm.

Important

Even well-intentioned mistakes can cause serious harm. We don’t shame — but we don’t ignore harm either.

Commitment

By continuing to participate in ICE Tea systems, I accept this pledge not as a checkbox — but as an ongoing, evolving responsibility to my community.

I understand that trust is earned, power is temporary, and consent is sacred.

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