| 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.
