Re: Q: Debian as a registered organization

On 4/5/26 10:27 PM, Adrian Bunk wrote:
> On Sun, Apr 05, 2026 at 08:47:37PM +0200, Thomas Goirand wrote:
>> On 4/3/26 10:40 AM, Adrian Bunk wrote:
>>> On Sat, Mar 21, 2026 at 11:38:22PM +0100, Thomas Goirand wrote:
>>>> ...
>>>> 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.
>>>> ...
>>>
>>> It is strange that you consider going after single Debian members as
>>> preferable for Debian, single individuals are usually easier targets
>>> than large organizations.
>>
>> The idea is that the individual(s) involved may not be in the same country,
>> making it even more difficult. Or even, impossible for a government to go
>> after all of use at once, as there would be no legal organization to
>> dissolve.
> 
> When the French government goes after Debian it is fine for you when
> they arrest all DDs in France, like they did with Pavel Durov?
> 
> And if a DD in France had a house or apartment or some savings, it is
> fine for you when this gets confiscated to compensate for whatever
> penalties France wants to impose on Debian?

I can't believe that you remotely assume I'm fine with any government 
annoying an DD (or any contributor) because of their contribution. Of 
course, that would make me angry.

It's just that if Debian becomes a legal entity, we add another risk of 
it to be attacked by government. I do not think having Debian as a legal 
entity would protects individual DDs also. And this in no way means that 
I would *prefer* individual DDs to be attacked instead of the Debian 
legal entity (you're assuming this wrongly here). I believe the 2 
possible threats are disconnected.

Let's say the legal entity is declared illegal or dissolved by a judge. 
The whole Debian project (and each of us) would be in danger if we were 
to attempt ignoring the judge decision and continue to contribute to 
Debian (at least, that's how it works in France).

Cheers,

Thomas Goirand (zigo)