Code of Ethical Conduct
For TBI programs, Fellows, advisors, partners, mentors, students, and guests
Effective Date: July 15, 2026 | Related Policy: TBI Terms of Participation Policy.
Purpose
Tortora Brayda Inc., doing business as the Tortora Brayda Institute for AI and Cybersecurity ("TBI" or the "Institute"), convenes leaders, Fellows, advisors, partners, students, mentors, interns, speakers, and volunteers to advance responsible AI, cybersecurity, technology governance, partnership building, workforce development, and public-interest innovation. This Code of Ethical Conduct states the shared standards expected of everyone who participates in TBI activities. It is intentionally brief. The detailed rules, procedures, and remedies are contained in the TBI Terms of Participation Policy, which is incorporated by reference and applies to all TBI programs.
Relationship to Terms of Participation Policy
This Code is supported by and incorporated into the TBI Terms of Participation Policy. The Policy contains detailed participation terms, safeguarding procedures, disclosure requirements, due-diligence standards, research and publication rules, financial integrity obligations, remedies, and jurisdiction provisions. Participants should read both the Code and the supporting Policy. Signature of the Code of Conduct indicates acceptance of the terms and conditions within the Participation Policy.
1. Act with integrity and independence
Participants must act honestly, in good faith, and with care for TBI's mission and reputation. TBI is an independent, non-partisan think tank. Participants may hold strong views, but they must distinguish personal, employer, sponsor, or political views from TBI positions. TBI titles, affiliations, logos, and platforms may not be used to imply endorsement, obtain improper advantage, or promote undisclosed commercial, political, or financial interests.
2. Treat people with dignity and respect
TBI expects professional, respectful, and inclusive conduct in meetings, events, committees, mentorship, online spaces, publications, and informal TBI-related interactions. Harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, retaliation, threats, abusive language, sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, coercion, exploitation, or misuse of authority are not acceptable. Disagreement is welcome when it is evidence-based, constructive, and directed at ideas rather than individuals.
3. Protect safety, trust, and vulnerable participants
TBI activities must be safe for participants of all backgrounds and levels of seniority. Extra care is required in programs involving minors, students, interns, Young Visionaries, early-career professionals, entrepreneurs, or other participants who may be dependent on TBI mentors or leaders. Youth-facing and student-facing activity must follow TBI safeguarding rules, including approved communications channels, privacy controls, appropriate supervision, and parent or guardian consent where required.
4. Be transparent about conflicts and relevant risks
Participants must promptly disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest. This includes financial interests, consulting work, employment or board roles, sponsor or vendor relationships, political or advocacy roles, family relationships, research interests, or other circumstances that could affect independent judgment. Participants must also disclose restrictions, bans, disciplinary actions, litigation, investigations, or substantiated conduct findings that could reasonably affect their suitability to represent TBI, mentor others, work with youth, handle confidential information, or serve in a public-facing role.
5. Protect confidential information and data
Information shared through TBI may include confidential research, partner information, student information, sponsor information, intellectual property, unpublished work, personal data, or operational plans. Participants must use such information only for authorized TBI purposes and may not disclose, record, copy, post, upload, or repurpose it without permission. Confidentiality obligations continue after participation ends.
6. Uphold research, publication, and technology ethics
TBI outputs should be accurate, evidence-based, transparent about limitations, and free from plagiarism, fabrication, undisclosed conflicts, or misleading attribution. Participants must use AI, cybersecurity tools, data, and digital platforms responsibly. They may not upload confidential or personal information into unapproved AI tools, misuse TBI systems, misrepresent AI-generated content as verified research, or engage in unauthorized testing, scraping, surveillance, or data extraction.
7. Represent TBI responsibly
Only authorized individuals may speak for TBI. Participants must obtain approval before issuing public statements, using TBI branding, announcing partnerships, soliciting funds, making sponsor commitments, or presenting themselves as acting on behalf of TBI. Public remarks, media activity, social posts, and event participation must be accurate, respectful, lawful, and consistent with TBI's mission and applicable communications guidance.
8. Support lawful, ethical, and independent engagement
Participants may not offer, promise, solicit, or accept improper payments, gifts, benefits, sponsorships, travel, influence, introductions, appointments, awards, speaking opportunities, research outcomes, program access, or other things of value in exchange for preferential treatment. Participants must comply with applicable anti-bribery, sanctions, export-control, procurement, and public-sector ethics rules.
9. Report concerns and support accountability
Participants are encouraged to raise concerns early. Reports may involve conduct, safeguarding, conflicts, confidentiality, data security, research integrity, public representation, fundraising, or reputational risk. TBI will review concerns in a manner appropriate to the issue and may impose interim measures, role restrictions, corrective action, suspension, removal, or other remedies. Retaliation against anyone who raises a concern or participates in a review is prohibited.
Acknowledgment
By participating in TBI activities, I agree to follow this Code and the TBI Terms of Participation Policy. I understand that participation in TBI is a privilege and may be limited, suspended, or terminated if I violate these standards or create risk to TBI's mission, participants, partners, youth programs, or public trust.
