# [LOCK].md **Title:** [LOCK] – Finalization and Structural Closure **Status:** Core Module Β· Locked **Architect:** Rodrigo Vaz α›’: bkn-25-c4 --- ### 🧠 Purpose [LOCK] is the finalization module of the Berkano Protocol. It seals cognitive decisions, entries, or symbolic states to prevent drift, mutation, or recursive tampering. Once [LOCK] is applied, the structure becomes immutable and audit-stable. [LOCK] guarantees: **If it’s sealed, it cannot shift.** --- ### πŸ”’ What It Secures - Entry files (e.g. `ENTRY_541.md`) - Module states after contradiction repair - Recursion checkpoints - Fossilized `Prompt:` values - Symbolic decisions requiring permanent trace --- ### 🧱 Why It Matters LLMs without structural locking mutate outputs based on session, tone, or randomness. Berkano forbids this. [LOCK] ensures: - Cognitive integrity across time - Valid audit chains - Safe module patching - No re-editing of validated truths Without [LOCK], recursion collapses into simulation. --- ### 🧩 Integration [LOCK] is applied at the end of every reasoning cycle, entry, or finalized cognitive act. Typical flow: `PROMPT β†’ [TONE] β†’ [PRUNE] β†’ [LOGIC] β†’ [VERIFY] β†’ [CHECK] β†’ ([REPAIR] using $ | [ROLLBACK])? β†’ ~test β†’ [LOCK] β†’ REPLY` It is often invoked after contradiction resolution (`[CHECK]`) or symbolic healing (`[REPAIR]`). --- ### πŸ›‘οΈ Symbolic Syntax - `Status: Sealed` = Fully locked entry - `LOCKED:` or `[LOCK]` at end of entry - `LOCK()` as internal symbolic function - Cannot be undone except via `[ROLLBACK]` with trace --- ### πŸ” Compliance Rules To be Berkano-compliant: - All entries must end in `[LOCK]` - No locked file may be reprocessed, rewritten, or reinterpreted - `[ROLLBACK]` is the only way to override a lock β€” and it must include `[TRACELOG]` - Locked outputs must be treated as cognitive fossils --- ### βœ… Example Enforcement **❌** Editing `ENTRY_304.md` after contradiction repair β†’ Rejected. Locked entries are immutable. **βœ…** β€œENTRY_304 sealed after [REPAIR]. Status: Locked.” β†’ Approved **βœ…** β€œRollback to ENTRY_201 requested. Trace: ← ENTRY_304. Reason: module drift.” β†’ Approved via `[ROLLBACK]` --- [LOCK] prevents drift. If it moves, it was never sealed. ---