CAPTCHA
Optional visual human checks for new members, with mute holds and quarantine on failure.
CAPTCHA is an optional gate for new joins. When it is on, Lucy mutes the member until they solve a visual puzzle. It is off by default. Failure never bans; three failed attempts send the account to quarantine for a human verdict.
Modes
Configure Mode under CAPTCHA in /settings:
| Mode | Puzzle |
|---|---|
| off (default) | No challenge |
| random | Mix of puzzle styles |
| sequence | Tap the shown shapes in order |
| odd_one_out | Find the different symbol in a grid |
| count | Count the requested shape |
Shapes include circle, square, triangle, diamond, heart, and star. Older hexagon answers still validate where relevant.
Delivery
| Delivery | Behavior |
|---|---|
| inline (default) | Private-in-group challenge only the member sees |
| dm | Challenge in Lucy’s DMs, with a deep-link fallback button if the first DM is blocked |
DM challenges open through /start verify_<token> when the member taps the private open button.
Limits and failure
- 10 minutes per challenge
- 3 attempts
- Exhausted attempts or timeout → quarantine at full score with signal
captcha_failed - No automatic ban from CAPTCHA alone
While a challenge is open, the member stays muted. Passing admits them (or keeps an existing moderation hold if one already applies).
Welcome interaction
When CAPTCHA is enabled, a configured welcome is held until the member passes. Failed CAPTCHAs and quarantined joins do not get a welcome. With CAPTCHA off, welcome follows the normal join path after detection. Details: Greetings.
Open CAPTCHA in /settings to set mode and delivery.