Servility Program

The servility program (追従プログラム tsuishō puroguramu) was a program inherent to all Mini-Cons that bound them to a "Bulk", or larger Transformer. When an Autobot or Decepticon revived or Powerlinked with a Mini-Con the program would make them feel compelled to act with loyalty to that Transformer. Depending on the partner's personality this could have been either a beneficial or psychologically damaging relationship.

The first mention of the servility program was when Redline explained why their friend Rollbar abandoned them after linking with the Transformer Scavenger. Linkage Part 5

Before the program was removed from all Mini-Cons as the result of Redline's actions the servility program could be overcome through effort on the part of the Mini-Con themself. However, with the Master Key discovered and the Mini-Cons' full powers realized, they are no longer bound by this limitation and can exist fully as their own beings. Linkage Part 10

It is unknown why the servility program existed; either it was programmed into them by other Transformers or was inherent to the Mini-Cons and part of Unicron's plan to use them to subjugate the Transformer race.