Re: BALLOT OPTION: A cautious approach to generative AI

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For the avoidance of doubt: I had already expressed my intention to second
this text when proposed by Tobi, but I understand it was a *draft*, so the
Secretary might have not counted it.

I hereby second this proposal I am quoting in full:

Tobias Frost dijo [Wed, Jul 29, 2026 at 05:22:39PM +0200]:
>
>-----BEGIN DRAFT PROPOSAL-----
>
>Summary: A cautious approach to generative AI
>
>Using its power under Constitution section 4.1(5), the Project issues
>the following statement describing its current position regarding the
>use of generative AI within Debian.
>
>Debian recognizes that generative AI raises significant ethical, legal,
>technical, and social concerns. These include questions relating to
>copyright and licensing, privacy, the provenance and quality of
>generated material, the health of Free Software communities, and the
>long-term consequences of widespread reliance on AI-generated content.
>
>Accordingly, Debian encourages contributors to avoid the use of
>generative AI where practical and to prefer human authorship,
>collaboration, and technical understanding over AI-generated output.
>
>At the same time, Debian has long relied on the judgment and
>responsibility of its contributors rather than prescribing individual
>workflows. Contributors remain responsible for everything they submit,
>irrespective of the tools used in preparing a contribution. Existing
>Debian standards regarding quality, correctness, licensing, and legal
>compliance continue to apply.
>
>Contributors using external generative AI services should exercise
>particular care not to disclose confidential information, embargoed
>security information, credentials, cryptographic keys, private
>communications, personal data, or other non-public Debian information.
>
>Nothing in this resolution should be understood as requiring
>contributors to use generative AI, nor as preventing contributors or
>maintainers from choosing not to use or accept AI-assisted
>contributions. Debian's existing collaborative processes remain the
>appropriate means for resolving such differences while allowing the
>project to continue making progress.
>
>While disclosure is not required, contributors are encouraged to
>voluntarily disclose the use of generative AI where appropriate,
>allowing others who prefer not to interact with AI-assisted content to
>make informed choices.
>
>Such disclosure should be regarded as a courtesy to fellow contributors
>rather than an indication that AI-assisted contributions are subject to
>different technical or procedural standards.
>
>The Debian project has always recognized the commitment and
>professionalism of its members. All contributions are under the
>responsibility of the Debian Contributor making it, no matter the
>technology they have behind. We trust all Debian Developers,
>Maintainers and Contributors will continue to uphold the high quality
>values that have distinguished our project from its onset.
>
>-----END PROPOSAL-----

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