Pale Blue Dot Code of Ethics
Pale Blue Dot (PBD) is committed to conducting its work with integrity, transparency, and respect for people and planet. These guidelines outline the ethical principles that guide all activity across the consultancy—including client work, pro bono projects, contractor relationships, platform and tool selection, and broader business decisions.
These values are not a marketing statement. They are a working framework. While PBD will always strive to uphold them, it recognises that perfect due diligence is not always possible. Reasonable steps will be taken to vet all clients, collaborators, projects, platforms, and tools. However, PBD cannot guarantee exhaustive verification and cannot be held liable for oversight or misrepresentation beyond its control.
Core values and areas of advocacy
Privacy and data protection:
All work must respect the privacy of individuals and prioritise data protection in line with international best practices.
Freedom of identity and expression:
PBD supports the rights of individuals to live and express themselves freely, without fear of discrimination or repression.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion:
Representation matters. PBD values inclusive communication, accessible design, and equitable practices in all projects and partnerships.
Accessibility:
Wherever possible, digital outputs and platforms should be designed with accessibility in mind. Inclusive experiences benefit everyone.
Creative commons and open access:
PBD supports the responsible use and sharing of creative work and knowledge. Intellectual property should be credited, licensed, or shared transparently.
Practices PBD opposes
Dark patterns:
User interfaces designed to confuse, mislead, or manipulate are not acceptable under any circumstances.
Hate speech and discriminatory ideologies:
PBD does not work with organisations or individuals who promote exclusion, bigotry, or violence.
False or misleading advertising:
Marketing should be truthful, transparent, and evidence-based. Manipulative claims or deceptive messaging are strictly avoided.
Intellectual property infringement:
All creative work must respect copyright, trademark, and licensing laws. Plagiarism or uncredited use of others’ work is not tolerated.
Unethical marketing to children:
PBD does not support campaigns or messaging that promote harmful, unsafe, or inappropriate products or services to children or young people.
Commitment to ethical alignment
PBD reserves the right to decline or discontinue any engagement, tool, or partnership that conflicts with these values. This includes but is not limited to organisations with extreme or exclusionary political affiliations, discriminatory agendas, or practices that contradict human rights and environmental responsibility.
These guidelines are intended to evolve. PBD remains open to dialogue, learning, and continuous improvement in all matters related to ethics and social responsibility.
