What rules do these people need to follow in this society that they are living in?

One very important rule in the community is "no secrets". Another is "monitoring" conversations.

There were no secrets in Village. It was one of the rules that Leader had proposed, and all of the people had voted in favor of it.

“Vessels? VESSELS!” The voice of the matron, through the speaker, was stern. “Monitor your conversations, please! You know the rules!”