Re: Changing how we handle non-free firmware

[Ross Vandegrift <rvandegrift@debian.org>]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for this.  I have two questions about your proposal.  Apologies
if these are answered elsewhere already.

On Thu, Aug 18, 2022 at 08:58:21PM +0100, Steve McIntyre wrote:
> I'm proposing to change how we handle non-free firmware in
> Debian.

> So, I propose the following:
> 
> =================================
> 
> We will include non-free firmware packages from the
> "non-free-firmware" section of the Debian archive on our official
> media (installer images and live images). The included firmware
> binaries will *normally* be enabled by default where the system
> determines that they are required, but where possible we will include
> ways for users to disable this at boot (boot menu option, kernel
> command line etc.).

First question:

The substantial issue here that requires a GR is the treatment of
non-free-firmware packages.  The bits about installation media are kind
of fallout, or implementation details.  It might be better to leave
those out of the GR, and just get crystal clear on the project's
treatment of non-free firmware.

Would you feel empowered to implement your changes if the GR passed
without these implementation details?  That is, if we voted to permit
non-free-firmware packages on official installation media, live images,
and default installations.



Second question:

It might be good to have rules spelling out what can go into
non-free-firmware.  This would help clarify how non-free-firmware isn't
just non-free.  Is this in place or in progress?  Does the GR need to
include it, or is there some other appropriate mechanism?


Thanks,
Ross