A digital absence signalling system — when silence matters, ZSP speaks.
We live in a world of constant digital surveillance and 24/7 tracking.
Rather than reject that reality, Zero Signal Protocol (ZSP) turns it into a tool for protection and autonomy.
By letting individuals decide how their absence is communicated, ZSP transforms passive monitoring into an opt-in safety net — a way to protect ourselves and others when silence could otherwise be mistaken for neglect, ghosting, or disappearance.
This project is about reclaiming control of our digital presence.
You decide the thresholds. You decide who gets notified. You decide when silence speaks.
Zero Signal Protocol (ZSP) is a voluntary, opt-in system that lets individuals and organizations define what happens when their digital activity stops.
It’s a modern “digital failsafe,” turning passive surveillance into a safety and autonomy tool.
With ZSP you can:
- Set custom timeouts (e.g., 18 hours, 48 hours, 7 days)
- Automatically notify trusted contacts, post to social media, or trigger a webhook
- Use it for safety, mental health, or simply clearer communication (“I’m off-grid, don’t worry”)
ZSP flips the script: no activity can itself become a signal.
- Solo Travelers: 24h no phone unlock → send SMS to family
- Mental Health Check-In: 7-day silent window → tweet “I’m okay, just off-grid”
- Public Figures / Activists: Zero activity across multiple platforms → private alert to team
- Child Safety: Device silent >12h → silent ping to parent
The source code in this repository is licensed under the Business Source License 1.1 (BSL).
- Licensor: Alec Thomas Flores & WhyTrashEarth
- Change Date: October 1, 2030
- Change License: Apache License, Version 2.0
Until the Change Date, you may use, copy, and modify the Licensed Work for non-production or non-commercial purposes. Commercial or production use before the Change Date requires a separate, written agreement with the Licensor.
On and after October 1, 2030, this project will automatically be licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0, allowing free and unrestricted use.
See LICENSE and NOTICE.md for details.
Right now ZSP is in its early stages. Feedback, ideas, and discussion are welcome via GitHub Issues.
If you’re interested in collaborating, please open an Issue or reach out.
- Website: https://zerosignalprotocol.org
- Maintainer: Alec Thomas Flores & WhyTrashEarth
Trademark Notice: “Zero Signal Protocol™” and “ZSP™” are marks of Alec Thomas Flores & WhyTrashEarth.
No trademark rights are granted by this license.