Re: Q: Debian as a registered organization

On 21/03/26 23:38, Thomas Goirand wrote:
> Hi Shruti,
>
> In these always darker ages, it looks like operating systems may have 
> to comply to laws we may not like. I have in mind the age verification 
> stuff, but not only, some more unexpected things may pop.
>
> If we become a Foundation, this automatically means registered USA, 
> no? In France, we'd call it an "association", and Foundation feels 
> like USA. Is this your plan?
Let me make it clear - "Debain Foundation" is just a term I borrowed 
from Brian Gupta's platform.
> If we become a registered entity, it'd be a way more easy for 
> governments to get us accounted for. Even more in the case of a 
> USA-registered Foundation. While with the current case, it'd be a way 
> harder for Debian to get into trouble. For example, the foundation 
> could be sued, and we'd have to pay for such trial in USA. But with 
> the current state, one would have to go after single individuals.
>
> How do you plan to deal with this?
>
> Also, could you expand on "exploring the possibilities" from your 
> platform? What does this mean?

I certainly *do not* have any plan to register Debian in USA, and 
anywhere for that matter next year.

When I said I would explore possibilities, I meant I will start a 
discussion surrounding the topic of "Debian as a registered entity". 
Registering Debian is not something that should be done in a hurry. More 
discussions should happen on the advantages and disadvantages of 
registering. While some disadvantages you mentioned, there are some 
advantages like when we are dealing with legal issues, having a 
registered entity helps.

>
> To be clear: I'm for keeping things as they are now for the reason 
> mentioned above.
Personally, I also want Debian to remain as is, if possible. But I want 
to study the issue in more depth, to see if it is still practical to 
remain as is.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Thomas Goirand (zigo)
>

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