A recent patch to the Linux kernel's MAINTAINERS file has sparked controversy. Greg Kroah-Hartman, a prominent Linux kernel maintainer, submitted a patch that removed numerous entries due to "various compliance requirements". This vague explanation has led to speculation that the removals are related to sanctions against Russia.
The patch itself consists of 177 deletions from the MAINTAINERS file. These deletions remove the names and contact information of several individuals who were previously listed as maintainers for various parts of the Linux kernel. Some of the affected maintainers are known to be Russian. For example:
Serge Semin was removed as a maintainer for several drivers, including the BAIKAL-T1 PVT HARDWARE MONITOR DRIVER, the LIBATA SATA AHCI SYNOPSYS DWC CONTROLLER DRIVER, the MIPS BAIKAL-T1 PLATFORM, the NTB IDT DRIVER, the SYNOPSYS DESIGNWARE APB GPIO DRIVER, and the SYNOPSYS DESIGNWARE APB SSI DRIVER.
The removals have been met with mixed reactions from the Linux community on Reddit. Some have expressed support for the decision, arguing that it is necessary to comply with sanctions and to protect the integrity of the Linux kernel. Others have criticized the move, arguing that it is discriminatory and that it sets a dangerous precedent for the future of open source software.
Some users have pointed out that the Linux Foundation is headquartered in San Francisco, and therefore subject to US law, including sanctions. Others have pointed out that many of the affected developers are not employed by sanctioned companies and some even live in Western countries.
Geert Uytterhoeven, a Linux developer, responded to Kroah-Hartman's patch, questioning the vagueness of the "compliance requirements" and asking for clarification on what "sufficient documentation" would be required for the removed maintainers to be reinstated. As of October 21st, 2024, Kroah-Hartman had not publicly responded to these questions.
The situation raises important questions about the role of politics in open source software development. It remains to be seen how this incident will affect the future of the Linux kernel and the wider open source community.
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Torvalds Remarks on Removal of Russian Linux Kernel Maintainers
Linus Torvalds, the creator of Linux, defended the decision, citing sanctions against Russia and dismissing critics as "Russian trolls." This controversial move raises questions about the future of open-source collaboration in a politically charged world.
Will compliance with international sanctions become a standard requirement for participation in open-source projects? How can the open-source community balance its commitment to inclusivity with the need to navigate complex legal frameworks? Read the full story in the following link:
Compliance Requirements for Linux Kernel Contributions
James Bottomley, a veteran Linux developer, has explained the compliance requirements for contributing to Linux Kernel. Here's the TLDR:
- Maintainers cannot work for companies on the U.S. OFAC SDN list, which includes those subject to US sanctions or controlled by sanctioned entities.
- Documentation proving that a company is not on the OFAC list is needed for reinstatement if a maintainer has been removed because their employer was thought to be on the list.
- This is primarily driven by US legal requirements, as much of the Linux infrastructure and many maintainers are located in the US.
- The restrictions aim to prevent the provision of services to sanctioned entities, which could include accepting code from or providing guidance to individuals working for those companies.
- Russian developers not employed by sanctioned companies can still contribute, especially through public channels like the LKML mailing lists, which is allowed under US exemptions.
For more details, please visit the following link:
Russia Proposes Forking Linux
The Russian Ministry of Digital Development has proposed the creation of a new Linux community, specifically for Russian developers and their allies, in response to the suspension of the Russian developers from the international Linux community.
While the Ministry's proposal is seen as ambitious and potentially problematic due to the lack of Russian developer expertise, it is considered a necessary step to maintain Russian developers' competencies and technological independence.
More details in the following link:
