On Mon, Dec 15, 2003 at 06:50:10PM +0100, Adrian Bunk wrote:
> On Sun, Dec 14, 2003 at 11:16:11PM +0100, Andreas Metzler wrote:
> > Adrian Bunk wrote:
> > > Package: libdvdread3
> > > Version: 0.9.4-3
> > > Severity: critical
This is not a critical bug. This is a serious bug. The definition of a
critical bug is:
critical
makes unrelated software on the system (or the whole system) break,
or causes serious data loss, or introduces a security hole on
systems where you install the package.
The definition of a serious bug is:
serious
is a severe violation of Debian policy (that is, it violates a
"must" or "required" directive), or, in the package maintainer's
opinion, makes the package unsuitable for release.
I assume, therefore, that your objection is based on policy 2.3, which
reads in part as follows:
We reserve the right to restrict files from being included anywhere in
our archives if
* their use or distribution would break a law,
* there is an ethical conflict in their distribution or use,
* we would have to sign a license for them, or
* their distribution would conflict with other project policies.
because you did not include a Justification: header. Please state if
this is not so.
> >
> > > The debconf note says:
> >
> > > <-- snip -->
> >
> > > Many DVDs use css. To play these, a special library is needed to
> > > read them, libdvdcss. Debian cannot distribute this library
> > > according to some laws, but it is available on other places on the
> > > internet for download. Run
> > > `/usr/share/doc/libdvdread3/examples/install-css.sh' to download and
> > > install it.
> >
> > > <-- snip -->
> >
> > > These "some laws" not only prevent distribution of libdvdcss, they
> > > also disallow the use of libdvdcss in some countries (e.g. in Germany).
> > [...]
> >
> > It is rather dubious and not proven in court that using libdvdcss
> > for *playing* DVDs (not copying them) is indeed illegal in Germany. I
> > suggest further discussion on -legal.
>
> It's at least a grey area, and most likely in more countries than just
> Germany.
>
> If you as a private person say "I think it is legal to use libdvdcss for
> playing DVDs", it's your choice.
>
> But for a user, it should be very clear that there are legal risks when
> using libdvdcss.
Ignorance of the law is no excuse. If I choose to use an MP3 encoder in
this country without paying Frauenhofer and Thomson exorbitant fees, I'm
taking that risk. Any reasonable user should already know that libdvdcss
is dangerous, and if one doesn't want one's door battered in by the
cops, one shouldn't use it. That said, it doesn't meet the standard set
out above: the use of the install-css.sh file itself does not break a
law, even though the use of the resulting download might. While this is
nitpicking, this is the standard set out in policy, and is the criteria
for serious bugs.
If you can state reasons that there is an ethical conflict or that the
distribution would conflict with other project policies, or, find
another section in policy that backs up your argument, fine; otherwise I
think this is NOTABUG (tm).
--
Brian M. Carlson <sandals@crustytoothpaste.ath.cx> 0x560553e7
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