Ethics Policy

Last Updated: April 2, 2025

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

At Round Tower Software Limited, we believe that technology should empower, not hinder, individuals with dyslexia and learning differences. This Ethics Policy outlines our commitment to creating accessible, inclusive, and responsible technology through Dyslexia.ai, Lexy, and our AI tutoring services.

We recognize the unique responsibility we have in developing tools for education and cognitive support. This policy guides our decision-making and development processes to ensure we uphold the highest ethical standards in everything we do.

2. Core Values

Our ethics are built on the following core values:

• Empowerment: We create technology that builds confidence, independence, and agency for individuals with dyslexia
• Accessibility: We are committed to making our services available to everyone, regardless of ability or background
• Respect: We recognize and celebrate neurodiversity as a valuable aspect of human experience
• Integrity: We maintain the highest standards of honesty, accuracy, and evidence-based approaches
• Privacy: We respect user privacy and handle personal data with care and transparency
• Inclusivity: We design for diverse users with varied needs, backgrounds, and learning styles

3. Inclusive Design Principles

3.1 Universal Design

We implement universal design principles to make our products usable by as many people as possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. This includes considering various reading abilities, cognitive styles, and learning preferences.

3.2 Accessibility Standards

We strive to meet or exceed WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards for digital accessibility in all our products. This includes considerations for:

• Text readability and customization
• Color contrast and visual presentation
• Keyboard navigation and screen reader compatibility
• Alternative input methods
• Clear and consistent navigation

3.3 Inclusive Language

We use respectful, clear, and inclusive language throughout our products and communications. We avoid deficit-based language that frames dyslexia as a disorder or deficiency, instead focusing on the unique cognitive strengths and differences of dyslexic thinking.

3.4 Cultural Inclusivity

We design our educational content to be culturally inclusive and relevant to users from diverse backgrounds. We regularly review our content to eliminate cultural biases and ensure representation of diverse perspectives.

4. Data Ethics and Privacy

4.1 Data Minimization

We collect only the data necessary to provide and improve our services. We adhere to the principle of data minimization and avoid collecting excess data that isn't directly relevant to our services.

4.2 Informed Consent

We obtain clear, informed consent before collecting user data, especially from vulnerable populations such as children. We ensure that consent mechanisms are accessible and easy to understand, with options to withdraw consent at any time.

4.3 Special Protections for Children

We implement additional safeguards for data from users under 18, including parental consent requirements, enhanced data security, and restrictions on data use and sharing. We design our children's services in accordance with children's privacy laws including COPPA and the GDPR's provisions for children's data.

4.4 Data Security

We implement robust security measures to protect user data from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, and destruction. This includes encryption, access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on data protection.

4.5 Transparency in Data Practices

We maintain transparency about our data collection, processing, and sharing practices. Our Privacy Policy is written in clear, accessible language and is regularly updated to reflect our current practices.

5. Educational Integrity

5.1 Evidence-Based Approaches

Our educational content and methodologies are based on established research in dyslexia intervention, literacy development, and educational psychology. We regularly review and update our approaches based on new research findings.

5.2 Accuracy and Quality

We maintain high standards for the accuracy, quality, and educational value of all content within our applications. We have established review processes to ensure educational materials meet our standards before being incorporated into our services.

5.3 Educational Transparency

We are transparent about the educational approaches, methodologies, and research that inform our products. We clearly communicate the intended educational outcomes and provide context for how our tools fit within broader educational practices.

5.4 Continuous Improvement

We regularly evaluate the educational effectiveness of our tools and use this information to improve our products. We engage with educational experts, dyslexia specialists, and users to gather feedback and insights for enhancement.

6. Responsible AI Development

6.1 AI Fairness and Bias Mitigation

We work to identify and eliminate biases in our AI systems related to language, reading ability, cultural background, and other factors. We regularly audit our AI systems for unintended bias and take steps to address any issues identified.

6.2 Transparency in AI Systems

We maintain transparency about the capabilities and limitations of our AI technologies. We avoid overstating what our AI can do and provide clear information about how AI is used within our products.

6.3 Human Oversight

We maintain appropriate human oversight of our AI systems, particularly for high-stakes functions related to educational assessment or content generation. We regularly review AI-generated content and recommendations to ensure quality and appropriateness.

6.4 AI for Good

We design our AI systems to enhance human capabilities rather than replace human judgment. Our goal is to use AI to provide personalized support that adapts to individual needs while keeping educators, parents, and users in control of the learning process.

7. Transparency and Communication

7.1 Clear Product Information

We provide clear, accurate information about what our products can and cannot do. We avoid exaggerated claims about effectiveness and are honest about the limitations of our technology.

7.2 Results Reporting

When reporting on user progress or product efficacy, we present data honestly and in context. We do not selectively present information to create a misleading impression of effectiveness.

7.3 Marketing Ethics

Our marketing materials adhere to high ethical standards. We do not exploit fears or anxieties about dyslexia, make false promises, or misrepresent scientific evidence in our marketing.

7.4 Open Communication

We maintain open channels for user feedback and respond to concerns promptly and honestly. When issues arise, we acknowledge them transparently and take swift action to address them.

8. Research Ethics

8.1 Ethical Research Practices

When conducting research to improve our products or contribute to the field of dyslexia support, we adhere to established research ethics principles, including respect for persons, beneficence, and justice.

8.2 Informed Participation

Research participants are fully informed about the nature, purpose, and potential uses of research before providing consent. Participants can withdraw from research at any time without penalty.

8.3 Responsible Data Use

We use anonymized and aggregated user data to improve our services and advance knowledge about dyslexia support. We obtain explicit consent for research uses of data and implement appropriate safeguards to protect participant privacy.

8.4 Sharing Knowledge

We are committed to sharing our research findings and insights with the broader community of dyslexia educators, researchers, and advocates to contribute to collective knowledge and best practices.

9. Regulatory Compliance

9.1 Data Protection Regulations

We comply with applicable data protection regulations including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and other regional privacy laws relevant to our operations.

9.2 Educational Privacy Laws

For our educational offerings, we comply with laws protecting student privacy, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) where applicable.

9.3 Accessibility Regulations

We strive to comply with accessibility regulations and standards including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the European Accessibility Act.

9.4 Children's Privacy

We comply with regulations protecting children's privacy online, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and relevant provisions of the GDPR.

9.5 Healthcare Regulations

When operating in contexts that may involve health data, we comply with relevant healthcare privacy regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) where applicable.

10. Implementation and Governance

10.1 Ethics by Design

We integrate ethical considerations into our product development lifecycle from the earliest stages of design through to deployment and monitoring. Ethics assessments are conducted at key development milestones.

10.2 Employee Training

All employees receive training on our ethical principles and this Ethics Policy. Team members involved in data handling, AI development, and content creation receive additional specialized ethics training relevant to their roles.

10.3 Accountability

We establish clear accountability for ethical decision-making within our organization. Leadership is responsible for fostering a culture that prioritizes ethical considerations in all aspects of our work.

10.4 Supplier and Partner Standards

We expect our suppliers, partners, and contractors to uphold ethical standards compatible with our own. We include ethical requirements in our contractual agreements and assess partners based partly on their ethical practices.

11. Ethics Reporting and Feedback

11.1 Reporting Channels

We maintain channels for users, employees, and other stakeholders to report ethical concerns or potential violations of this policy. Reports can be submitted via email at ethics@dyslexia.ai.

11.2 Non-Retaliation

We prohibit retaliation against anyone who reports ethical concerns in good faith. We are committed to investigating all reports thoroughly and addressing issues appropriately.

11.3 User Feedback

We actively seek and value user feedback on ethical aspects of our products and services. User perspectives help us identify potential ethical issues and improve our practices.

12. Policy Review and Updates

We review this Ethics Policy annually and update it as needed to reflect changes in our products, practices, applicable laws, or ethical standards. Updates to this policy will be communicated to users through our website and app notifications.

The review process includes:

• Assessment of alignment with current best practices in tech ethics
• Evaluation of policy effectiveness in guiding ethical decision-making
• Consideration of feedback from users, employees, and other stakeholders
• Review of compliance with evolving regulations and standards

13. Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or feedback related to this Ethics Policy or our ethical practices, please contact us:

• By email: ethics@dyslexia.ai
• By mail: [Your Physical Address]