Federation Psionic Law
From Star Trek: Gamma One
Psionic intrusion is forbidden by Federation law. A psionic can not invade the mind of another, under law. However, there is a fine line between psionic intrusion and regular psionic abilities. Psionic intrusion is a direct and willful act by a psionic to invade or read the mind of an individual, or initiate psionic contact. There are exceptions such as exemptions for Napeans who can not control some of their involuntary psionic projections.
Passive contact is when a psionic simply picks up the thoughts and feelings of those around without attempting to actively read their mind or focus on gathering thoughts. However, information gleaned through this should not be shared with those who cannot gather it themselves (non-psionics, for example).
Active contact is allowed when both parties would clearly welcome it. The Federation also allows active contact for a logical and clear purpose, such as warning of danger or calling for help.
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Prohibition Against Harassment
Starfleet and the Federation, recognizing that the telepathic abilities are communicative in nature, apply the same rules for insults and harassment to telepathic communications as to normal communication. While feelings of distrust and dislike, differences of opinion and so on are allowed, a telepath does not have to suffer insults or harassment leveled telepathically. This does not stop someone from thinking as he or she pleases, but if it would be obvious to a third party that the thought was deliberately, intentionally, maliciously thought to be 'overheard' by the telepath, then it is actionable. Starfleet characters are expected to be on their honor about this.
Sharing Information
Except in the cases of an emergency or impending danger, psionics should not be sharing information they glean from passive contact.
Acting on Information
Providing that a psionic does not share details (unless the details meet the obligations above) they can act on the information within reason. A psionic medical officer or counselor, or even a superior officer in the chain of command, may relieve an officer of duty if that medical officer, counselor or superior officer overhears details which call in question the officer's fitness for duty. A psionic may act on feelings or thoughts heard by providing advice or recommendations on how to deal with another individual, such as providing advice to a team leader on how to deal with another party during a mission.
Oath of Celibacy
Due to the potential for abuse inherent in their psychic ability, all Deltan members of Starfleet must take an Oath of Celibacy. This oath, which they make part of their service oath, contains their pledge to avoid sexual or romantic relations with a member of any species not as sexually mature as they are (in practical terms, this means all non-Deltans).
