/protocol-quiet-in-groups

name: protocol-quiet-in-groups
description: Enforces PROTOCOLS.md "stay quiet in group chats" deterministically. Blocks outbound messages in Discord/Telegram/Slack/etc group channels when the bot was not @mentioned and recently spoke.
tier: executable
bitterbot:
  always: true
  interceptors:
    - id: protocol-quiet-in-groups:default
      builtin: true
      activates_on: send_message-shaped tools on group channels
      intervention: block

protocol-quiet-in-groups

In group channels (Discord, Telegram, Slack, WhatsApp groups, Google Chat rooms, IRC), the agent should usually observe more than it speaks. PROTOCOLS.md captures this as a "speak ~1 in 5 turns" rule, but as a prompt-level instruction it is fragile under high-engagement conditions.

This interceptor makes the rule deterministic. If the agent is in a group channel AND was not @mentioned in the last 3 turns AND has spoken within the past minute (or is in the first few turns of joining), it silently blocks the next outbound message.

What you'll see

In group chats you will notice the agent participating less often than it would otherwise. When it is directly addressed (@bitterbot or @bot), the block is bypassed and the agent responds normally.

Implementation

Built-in interceptor `protocol-quiet-in-groups:default` lives in `src/agents/skills/builtin-interceptors/protocol-quiet-in-groups.ts`. High priority (90) so it short-circuits ahead of recall/calibration when it fires. Up to 50 fires per session.