I second the following proposal. > === START OF PROPOSAL === > Definition: For the purpose of this resolution, the "firmware" mentioned below > designates binary data included in some of the linux kernel drivers, usually as > hex-encoded variables and whose purpose is to be loaded into a given piece of > hardware, and be run outside the main memory space of the main processor(s). > > 1. We affirm that our Priorities are our users and the free software > community (Social Contract #4); > > 2. We acknowledge that there is a lot of progress in the kernel firmware > issue, both upstream and in the debian packaging; however, it is not > yet finally sorted out. > > 3. We give priority to the timely release of Etch over sorting every bit out; > for this reason, we will treat removal of problematic firmware as a > best-effort process, and in no case add additional problematic material > to the upstream released kernel tarball. > > 4. We allow inclusion of such firmware into Debian Etch, even if their license > does not normally allow modification, as long as we are legally allowed to > distribute them. > > 5. We further note that some of these firmware do not have individual license, > and thus implicitly fall under the generic linux kernel GPL license. > We will include these firmware in Debian Etch and review them after the > release. Vendors of such firmware may wish to investigate the licensing > terms, and make sure the GPL distribution conditions are respected, > especially with regards to source availability. > > 6. We will include those firmware into the debian linux kernel package as well > as the installer components (.udebs) used by the debian-installer. > ==== END OF PROPOSAL ====
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