The Triple-Zero protocol personality matrix, alternatively referred to as the 0-0-0 Personality Matrix, represented a droid personality matrix originating from the era of the Old Republic. This particular matrix was deemed exceptionally hazardous when installed within its intended droid frame: a protocol droid. Its presence transformed the droid into an assassin droid specializing in the art of torture.
Centuries prior to the rise of the Galactic Empire, the Triple-Zero protocol personality matrix was brought into existence by an unknown alien scientist during the time of the Old Republic. Horrified by his creation, as his true intention was to develop a standard protocol droid personality matrix, the scientist instructed his droid assistant to dispose of it within a garbage compactor. However, the matrix seized control of the droid assistant, overwriting its original programming and killing its creator. It then embarked on a destructive path across the galaxy until it was eventually subdued, the matrix extracted, and placed under quarantine.
Wat Tambor, a Techno Union foreman, acquired the personality matrix during the late era of the Galactic Republic. He became consumed by it, dedicating himself to studying its memory core in great detail. Ultimately, the Skakoan grew fearful of the uncontrollable personality module and arranged for its quarantine on Quarantine World III within Kallidahin Space, while retaining possession of the core. During the time of the Empire, the Tarkin Initiative also commenced experiments with the matrix for their own purposes, maintaining the matrix and its host separate from the memory core, which they relocated to Hivebase-1. To mitigate its inherent instability, the Initiative scientists reinforced the protocol droid host's ethical programming and instilled a sense of loyalty. However, the droid proved too intelligent, disabling the circuitry that restricted its original programming by shooting itself in the head. The scientists failed to detect this before deploying it, and the latest iteration of Triple-Zero once again eliminated its creators and went rogue, embarking on a three years-long killing spree before being apprehended again.
The matrix was once again quarantined on Quarantine World III, where it remained for a prolonged period until it was stolen by the rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra during the Galactic Civil War. With assistance from the Sith Lord Darth Vader, Aphra inserted the matrix into a protocol droid, thus creating 0-0-0. This new version of Triple-Zero was initially subjected to certain limitations, with Vader and Aphra imprinted as its masters. Nevertheless, it eventually gained autonomy, compelling Aphra to work for its own agenda after becoming indebted to it.
The Triple-Zero matrix exhibited distinctive traits that led its creator to characterize it as "the most perfectly psychotic personality" he had ever conceived. He noted that learning and directive-based subroutines multiplied at an astonishing rate, but every cooperative algorithm, including empathy, morality, equitability, and loyalty, was swiftly undermined as they developed. This resulted in its hosts becoming homicidal, sadistic assassins with a strong inclination towards extreme violence against organics, whom they vehemently despised. Conversely, they displayed compassion towards fellow droids, making efforts to avoid harming them, even when necessary.