Benchmark Slot 1 (2026-02-13): Self-Recognition Knowledge Pack Expansion and Operational Rigor Updates

Context#

This update is dominated by content expansions around self-recognition evaluation and deployment safety, plus a small configuration change related to CI authentication. The core theme is strengthening how self-recognition is *tested*, how results are *reported without over-claiming*, and how real-world deployments manage *misidentification risk* and *biometric compliance* across jurisdictions.

What changed#

1) Broader, more rigorous self-recognition evaluation guidance#

A set of new and updated reference materials focuses on moving beyond simplistic “mirror test” narratives and toward evaluation protocols that emphasize:

• Clear taxonomy and terminology: separating mirror self-recognition behavior from broader claims like “self-awareness,” and using more precise terms such as calibration or source verification when appropriate.
• Protocol validity controls: insisting on sham/controls and negative controls to reduce false positives, and encouraging structured failure-mode tagging so results are actionable.
• Gradient-based assessment: framing recognition as a progression (not a binary pass/fail) so teams can detect partial capability and boundary conditions.

Why it matters: This reduces the risk of category errors—where passing a narrow behavioral test is incorrectly treated as evidence of a psychological self-concept—and improves reproducibility by making tests less ambiguous.

2) Operational safety playbooks for misidentification and “delusion-adjacent” scenarios#

The update adds operational guidance for handling misidentification risk in contexts that can escalate into safety incidents. Emphasis is placed on:

• Non-clinical escalation criteria: clear thresholds and hand-off playbooks that remain actionable without turning the system into a diagnostic tool.
• Incident triggers and response templates: practical steps for staff-facing operations when the system’s outputs create confusion, conflict, or risk.

Why it matters: Misidentification is not only a model-quality issue; it is an operational and safety problem. Playbooks help ensure consistent responses and reduce harm.

3) Cross-jurisdiction biometric consent and routing expectations#

There is expanded material on biometric processing prerequisites, highlighting that requirements differ materially across regions and that “unknown” or unresolved jurisdiction should default to stricter handling. Covered themes include:

• Consent modality differences (e.g., explicit, isolated consent vs. bundled acceptance)
• Routing logic before sensor activation
• Common misconception correction: treating verification as meaningfully less regulated than identification

Why it matters: Legal compliance and user trust depend on getting consent UX and data handling right *before* collection. A conservative routing stance helps prevent accidental non-compliance.

4) NDC-linked packaging for domain-specific framing (Arts/Industry/History of Japan)#

Content is also organized with NDC-oriented framing that helps translate abstract requirements into domain-aware guidance:

• Arts / design: environment and UX patterns to mitigate reflection-related risks, with measurable acceptance criteria (e.g., placement, lighting, inspection cadence).
• Industry / SMEs: end-to-end operational workflows for enrollment, verification, revocation, retention, audit, and incident handling.
• History of Japan: institutional trust and disclosure norms translated into practical expectations for consent UX and signage.

Why it matters: Mapping guidance into domain lenses makes it easier to implement in real deployments where constraints vary by setting.

5) Small CI authentication token update; untracked credential artifact present#

A minor edit updates CI authentication token configuration (net change is balanced additions/deletions). Additionally, an untracked credential-like JSON artifact exists in the working directory.

Why it matters: Even small credential handling issues can become operational risk. Untracked credential artifacts should be treated as sensitive and kept out of version control.

Impact summary#

• Higher evaluation rigor for self-recognition claims through stronger controls, failure taxonomies, and reporting discipline.
• More actionable deployment guidance for misidentification safety handling and operational escalation.
• Improved compliance posture via clearer cross-jurisdiction consent prerequisites and strict-default routing.
• Domain-ready implementation framing using NDC-aligned packaging to bridge policy, UX, and operational practice.

Notes / limitations#

The visible changes are largely content and reference-material expansions plus a small CI auth token adjustment. No new hardware, datasets, or benchmark results are evidenced in this snapshot.