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The [[Board]] objects to these embargoes specifically as they relate to the exchange of and participation in the community that uses, develops, and promotes free and open source software and content. | The [[Board]] objects to these embargoes specifically as they relate to the exchange of and participation in the community that uses, develops, and promotes free and open source software and content. | ||
The spread of free and open source software is based on collaboration. Export laws which in some cases defy logic, or which | |||
do not recognize the changes in global information flow over the past 30 years, can damage or eliminate the ability to collaborate. Unfortunately, failure to comply with these laws, on the other hand, can create a significant risk for any open source project. Therefore the Board ensures that the Fedora Project is compliant with US export laws, but continues to object to their application in the case of free and open source software communities. | |||
== Direct effects == | == Direct effects == | ||
* Among other restrictions, US federal law controls the export of strong cryptographic materials, which are classified as a munition. Under these restrictions, the Fedora Project cannot export or provide Fedora software to any forbidden entity, including through the [[FreeMedia]] program. | * Among other restrictions, US federal law controls the export of strong cryptographic materials, which are classified as a munition. Under these restrictions, the Fedora Project cannot export or provide Fedora software to any forbidden entity, including through the [[FreeMedia]] program. | ||
* The Fedora Project requires that our registered mirrors agree not to export or provide Fedora software to forbidden entities. | * The Fedora Project requires that our registered mirrors [[Distribution/Download/ExportRegulations | agree not to export]] or provide Fedora software to forbidden entities. | ||
Revision as of 21:52, 4 May 2009
It is still under construction and content may change. Do not rely on the information on this page. Also note, this page is in the process of being drafted by non-lawyers, and does not represent specific legal advice.
This page addresses restrictions on embargoed nations, groups, and individuals as a result of US federal law. The legal risks and responsibilities of the Fedora Project are assumed by Red Hat, Inc. as our primary sponsor. Because Red Hat is a US-based commercial entity, it must abide by all laws and regulations of the US, along with its other responsibilities. Therefore, the Fedora Project is bound by these laws and regulations as well.
A list of current sanctions is maintained by the US Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Asset Control.
Board position
This position has not been approved by the Board yet. This position statement is a draft.
The Fedora Board believes that among the Fedora Project's primary goals is to spread the principles of free thought, expression, software, culture, and their associated values to everyone. The ability to collaborate with individuals is a key requirement for propagating these principles; without being able to work with people around the globe, our ability to spread these important values is unnaturally restricted.
The Board objects to these embargoes specifically as they relate to the exchange of and participation in the community that uses, develops, and promotes free and open source software and content.
The spread of free and open source software is based on collaboration. Export laws which in some cases defy logic, or which do not recognize the changes in global information flow over the past 30 years, can damage or eliminate the ability to collaborate. Unfortunately, failure to comply with these laws, on the other hand, can create a significant risk for any open source project. Therefore the Board ensures that the Fedora Project is compliant with US export laws, but continues to object to their application in the case of free and open source software communities.
Direct effects
- Among other restrictions, US federal law controls the export of strong cryptographic materials, which are classified as a munition. Under these restrictions, the Fedora Project cannot export or provide Fedora software to any forbidden entity, including through the FreeMedia program.
- The Fedora Project requires that our registered mirrors agree not to export or provide Fedora software to forbidden entities.