how we work:
ethical, privacy-first AI

I treat your data, your customers, and your brand like my own.

Last updated: October 18, 2025 (HST)

Still have questions? Email me at douglas@marsten.ai

    • I only use data you explicitly approve for this project and purpose.

    • I minimize sensitive details and keep them out of public chat tools.

    • When possible, I configure zero-retention or private deployments so prompts and outputs aren't stored or used for model training.

    • I don't scrape or ingest third-party content you don't own or license.

    • For demos and testing, I use de-identified or synthetic data whenever feasible.

    • I vet tools for privacy controls, encryption, enterprise terms, and retention settings.

    • If your company bans a tool, I propose alternative approaches.

    • When feasible, I build inside your accounts or with your API keys so you remain in control.

    • I prefer vendors with independent security attestations (SOC 2, ISO) and clear documentation about training-data sources and opt-outs.

    • For IP-sensitive use cases, I avoid generative tools whose training sources are unclear or likely to include unlicensed material.

    • Least-privilege access only. I request the minimum permissions required.

    • Devices are encrypted. Secrets and passwords live in a password manager, never in plain text.

    • Files live in approved folders with encryption at rest and in transit.

    • If email is unavoidable, attachments are encrypted and keys are shared via a separate channel.

    • We agree up front on what I receive, where it lives, who can access it, and for how long.

    • I maintain a simple data inventory for the project.

    • On project close, I delete local copies and temporary artifacts within the agreed timeframe and confirm in writing.

    • Backups and logs follow the same timelines unless your policy requires different handling.

    • Every workflow ships with a plain-English one-pager: inputs, steps, tools used, privacy notes.

    • Any external integrations, automations, or data connections require written approval.

    • I align with your legal and IT policies and adjust after your review.

    • A current list of tools and sub-processors used on your project is available on request.

    • AI outputs are drafts until a human approves them. Nothing auto-sends to customers without your sign-off.

    • I test for prompt risks, hallucinations, and data leakage before recommending production use.

    • Where relevant, I add guardrails and allow-lists.

    • I monitor outputs in pilots and adjust prompts, data, or workflows when necessary.

    • I avoid ingesting third-party content you don't own or license.

    • Deliverables, custom helpers, prompts, and workflow documents created for your business are yours as defined in our agreement.

    • I don't reuse your proprietary datasets or workflows in other client work.

    • I won't cross-pollinate competitive strategies between clients without explicit permission.

    • I don't use your name, logo, or results in marketing without written permission.

    • Testimonials and case studies are drafted for your approval before publication and can be anonymized.

    • If I detect a data exposure or security issue, I notify your point of contact promptly with facts, scope, and next steps.

    • We pause affected workflows until risks are addressed, then document the fix.

    • I keep a simple incident log for transparency.

    • I'm not a law firm. I flag issues early and follow your counsel's guidance.

    • If needed, we can add a short data-processing addendum naming approved tools, sub-processors, and regions.

    • For regulated data (PHI, PCI, or government identifiers), we either put additional controls and agreements in place or avoid using it altogether.

    • If your policies require specific data residency, we configure regional controls where vendors support them.

    • You can require zero-retention modes where supported and available.

    • You choose data-residency preferences when tools support region selection.

    • You can opt out of any nonessential analytics or logging for helpers I build.

    • You approve the data sources a workflow may read and the channels it may write to.