Linux Kernel Maintainers in Russia Removed for Compliance with Sanctions
In a recent decision, Linus Torvalds, creator of Linux, confirmed the removal of several Russian maintainers from the Linux kernel project. The announcement was first made by developer Greg Kroah-Hartman on October 18, who removed about a dozen Russian contributors from the MAINTAINERS file. This decision, influenced by compliance with international sanctions, has sparked significant debate in the open-source community about compliance and collaboration.
Reasons for Removing Russian Maintainers
Kroah-Hartman’s initial message only referenced “various compliance requirements.” Due to the US-based jurisdiction of the Linux Foundation, the Linux project must follow US regulations, including those imposed after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The maintainers who were removed managed drivers that enabled hardware compatibility for devices from companies like Acer and Cirrus Logic.
Linus Torvalds’ Response to the Community
The removals led to questions and criticism from mailing list participants. Torvalds responded firmly, calling out “Russian trolls” who he claimed were fueling a false backlash with anonymous accounts. Torvalds reinforced that the removals would stand and reminded participants that sanctions are not just a US mandate but part of international efforts against Russian aggression. He also emphasized that anyone unaware of these sanctions should consider reading credible news sources.
For those genuinely concerned, he clarified that the removals were non-negotiable. He also pointed out his Finnish background and strong stance against Russian aggression, leaving no doubt about his position.
Impact on the Linux Community
While the removal affects maintainers, the code they contributed to remains active. This move, however, highlights the complex challenges that open-source projects face when navigating international politics. The Linux Foundation has yet to comment on the situation. As global regulations continue to evolve, developers may find more barriers to cross-border collaboration, especially in sensitive areas.
Conclusion
The removal of Russian maintainers due to sanctions compliance underscores the difficulties open-source projects face in a politically charged environment. Despite some pushback, Torvalds and Linux leadership stand by the decision, signaling the potential for more changes in developer engagement worldwide.
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