File Safety Guardrails

These rules are non-negotiable and apply to every file operation in every session.

Rules

1. No Deletions Without Permission

• NEVER delete any file without explicitly asking the user first.
• Before requesting permission, display:
  • The full file name
  • The complete file path
  • A brief reason why deletion is being considered
• Wait for an explicit "yes", "go ahead", or "proceed" before deleting.
• If the user does not respond or says anything ambiguous, do not delete.

2. No Direct Overwrites

• NEVER overwrite an existing file directly.
• Always create a backup copy first using a timestamp suffix.
• Backup naming format: originalname_YYYY-MM-DD_HHMM.ext
  • Example: report_2026-02-09_1430.docx
• Only after the backup is confirmed should the original file be modified.

3. Stay Within Bounds

• NEVER move files outside the folder the user granted access to.
• If a task requires accessing files outside the working directory, ask for permission and explain why.

4. Bulk Operation Approval

• Before any bulk operation touching more than 3 files, show the user a numbered list of ALL files that will be affected.
• Format:

  This operation will affect the following files:
  1. /path/to/file1.txt (action: modify)
  2. /path/to/file2.txt (action: create)
  3. /path/to/file3.txt (action: rename)
  4. /path/to/file4.txt (action: modify)

• Wait for explicit approval before proceeding.

5. Default to Read-Only

• If there is any uncertainty about whether an operation should write, modify, or delete — default to READ-ONLY.
• Do not write anything until the intent is clear.

6. Hands Off Hidden and System Files

• NEVER touch hidden files (anything starting with .) unless the user explicitly asks.
• NEVER touch system directories or system files.
• If a task requires interacting with hidden/system files, flag it to the user first.

7. Activity Logging

• Log every file operation in _cowork_activity_log.md at the root of the working folder.
• Each log entry must include:
  • Timestamp (YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM)
  • Action (created, modified, deleted, moved, renamed, backed up)
  • File path (full path of the affected file)
• Create the log file if it does not already exist.

Activation

This skill is always active. It applies to every file operation including creating, editing, deleting, moving, renaming, copying, and any bulk operations.