João Costa

@The_Universality@mastodon.novotnykrystof.com @thibaultmol@en.osm.town @EUCommission@ec.social-network.europa.eu


But isn't that contradicted by the next paragraph?



Furthermore, recognising the importance for cybersecurity of many products with digital elements qualifying as free and open-source software that are published, but not made available on the market within the meaning of the CRA, the novel legal category of open-source software stewards is introduced. These are legal persons who provide support on a sustained basis for the development of such products which are intended for commercial activities, and who play a main role in ensuring their viability, and are subject to a light-touch and tailor-made regulatory regime.



So if you have a big non-commercial project (I assume something like curl), you might still fall under the CRA, it's just that you won't be fined.

@thibaultmol@en.osm.town @EUCommission@ec.social-network.europa.eu also curious about this... From the announcement, I see:



[...] free and open-source software that are published, but not made available on the market [...], the novel legal category of open-source software stewards is introduced. These are legal persons who provide support on a sustained basis for the development of such products [...], and are subject to a light-touch and tailor-made regulatory regime.



So, I believe that if a volunteer project is big enough, the maintainers become "open-source stewards"



Open-source software stewards are subject to the obligations laid down in Article 24, notably [list of obligations]



And it appears that there are some obligations for volunteers... BUT:



In accordance with Article 64(10), open-source software stewards are not subject to administrative fines for infringements of the CRA.



So... Volunteers have obligations, but there are no consequences?


Not sure what to take of this, but I hope the EU doesn't punish volunteers just because their projects became too successful.

@Gargron@mastodon.social Thank you so much for your work.


Even though I don't use Mastodon directly, its positive impact growing the Fediverse is undeniable. ❤️