Long Wiki Edits Thread

To be able to import CC-by-sa content into Whonix wiki (or at least related pages) [0], the license of the Whonix would need to be:

  • either dual licenses (current + CC BY-SA)
  • changed to CC BY-SA only [1] [2]

It’s a big decision. Big change. Needs a separate forum thread, thought, possibility for wide input.


[0] Unless quoteable under fair use.

[1] Those who received the current version under current license can of course keep using it under the license.

[2] Since dual licensing has disadvantages too. If forked under 1 license only, these could not be backported to Whonix.

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So if I license my website under CC BY-SA, it cannot be included in the wiki without an overall wiki license change?

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That’s great news - thanks. :slight_smile:

2 Likes

Great question. Difficult question. But since you said…

I guess so.

Any input? @HulaHoop

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CC BY-SA 4.0 is one-way compatible with the GPLv3 meaning a derivative work can be made opting for GPLv3 coverage instead.

Besides, as the sole copyright holder, @madaidan has full power to re-license it for our use as needed even if licensing was not harmonious.

2 Likes

Great so if/once @madaidan chooses CC BY-SA 4.0 we’re safe to go ahead.

Wishlist @torjunkie:

  • Please add a comment in edit summary if imported material from outside.
  • Add copyright to = License = section. (Using a wiki template.)
  • Similar to Dev/Tails Doc Fork - Whonix
  • Add a wiki html comment (which cannot be a wiki template unfortunately). For example the About page uses that. (All Dev/Tails_Doc_Fork pages.)
<!--
Copyright:

   {{project name}} About wiki page Copyright (C) Amnesia <amnesia at boum dot org>
   {{project name}} About wiki page Copyright (C) 2012 - 2021 ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP <adrelanos@whonix.org>

[...]
-->
<!--
This wiki page is a fork of the Tails About page, from this exact source <http://git.immerda.ch/?p=amnesia.git;a=blob;f=wiki/src/about.mdwn;hb=9ff23c529b206f6f3d637257f8f1f2aa434f3d27>.
-->

(Actually should not use templates as the source as it will show up in wiki backups doesn’t have any dynamic processing. But not too bad. A bug not worth fixing. I guess can be kept as is.)

The exact wording is yet to be invented. Maybe mentioning above article, original license, origin, new license (“plain”, GPLv3. Actually GPLv3+ is not possible, I think, was not mentioned above but will be OK either way…).

Maybe just 1 page first. Then I can nitpick/perfect on it before opening the editing floodgate. :slight_smile:

1 Like

All done (I think). @madaidan

Here’s the first full entry: Host Kernel Hardening. Check you like the license, credits and formatting. :slight_smile:
http://www.dds6qkxpwdeubwucdiaord2xgbbeyds25rbsgr73tbfpqpt4a6vjwsyd.onion/wiki/Host_Kernel_Hardening

Select the “Pending changes” option to see the text.

2 Likes

Looks great.

1 Like

Added some nitpicks. Tails back then made a friendly request to point out which exact git revision was forked. I thought that’s useful. There might be no such legal requirement but it seems useful for transparency / later comparison of forks.

Alright, let’s wait for the license file to appear under:

After that I have some more nitpicks. (Replace […] with the actual license.)

1 Like

Unless otherwise noted, the content of this page is copyrighted and licensed under the same Freedom Software license as Whonix ™ itself. (Why?)

Needs some clarification. DRAFT:

= Wiki =
Only the plain text is licensed. That is, because:

  • The design, html, CSS, javascript (mediawiki) isn’t copyrighted by {{project name}}. It’s used under the license provided by mediawiki / any wiki skins / extensions {{project name}} is using. Anyone interested to use it would be better off acquiring it from the origin/upstream, not from {{project name}}, since {{project name}} does not fork it anyhow.
    This description is kept generic. The actual current license (version) of mediawiki is deliberately kept unmentioned. That is to avoid inaccuracies and outdated content at a later time. The reader is advised to look up this information from the origin, mediawiki.
  • Illustrative images (Missing Libre Illustrative Images) are not copyrighted by {{project name}}.
  • Some screenshots might be Freedom Software licensed by third parties but still not copyrighted by {{project name}} / under {{project name}} license.

Unless otherwise noted, the text of most {{project name}} wiki pages is [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights|copyrighted]] and licensed under the same Freedom Software [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights#License|license]] as {{project name}} itself. ([[Why_{{project name short}}_is_Freedom_Software|Why?]])

If different licenses are used these are mentioned in every individual page’s wiki source code which can be viewed when using the edit function (Actions → Edit) and/or when downloading [[Offline_Documentation|{{project name wiki source code]]. Additionally this is mentioned in chapter License if this applies to any wiki page.

Nothing changed, Just a more accurate description.

We might want to keep the footer short and have a link to the details in Whonix Copyright chapter Wiki.

Suggestions?

Suggested nits. Maybe:

= Wiki =

For the following reasons, only the plain text is licensed:

  • The design, html, CSS, and JavaScript (mediawiki) aren’t copyrighted by {{project name}}. These rely upon the license provided by mediawiki / any wiki skins / extensions {{project name}} is using. Anybody interested in using these elements is better off acquiring it from the origin/upstream and not from {{project name}}, since {{project name}} does not fork it.
  • This description is purposefully generic in nature. The actual current license (version) of mediawiki is deliberately unmentioned. This avoids inaccuracies and content becoming outdated at a later time. The reader is recommended to seek this information from the original mediawiki source.
  • Illustrative images (Missing Libre Illustrative Images) are not copyrighted by {{project name}}.
  • Some screenshots might be Freedom Software licensed by third parties but still not be copyrighted by {{project name}} or under a {{project name}} license.

Unless otherwise noted, the text of most {{project name}} wiki pages is [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights|copyrighted]] and licensed under the same Freedom Software [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights#License|license]] as {{project name}} itself. ([[Why_{{project name short}}_is_Freedom_Software|Why?]])

Individual pages utilizing different licenses mention these in the wiki source code. This can be viewed when using the edit function (Actions → Edit) and/or when downloading [[Offline_Documentation|{{project name}} wiki source code]]. Additionally, this is mentioned in the chapter License for applicable wiki pages.

About this issue:

We might want to keep the footer short and have a link to the details in Whonix:Copyrights - Whonix chapter Wiki.

Suggestions?

The existing footer does go on and on. What is actually critical here? Probably - your copyright, non-affiliation with Debian and The Tor Project, and website use policy. That is, these parts:

Copyright (C) 2012 - 2021 ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP. Whonix ™ is a trademark. Whonix ™ is a licensee [archive] of the Open Invention Network [archive].

Whonix ™ is a derivative of and not affiliated with Debian [archive]. Debian is a registered trademark [archive] owned by Software in the Public Interest, Inc [archive].

Whonix ™ is produced independently from the Tor® [archive] anonymity software and carries no guarantee from The Tor Project [archive] about quality, suitability or anything else.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms of Service, and E-Sign Consent. Whonix ™ is provided by ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP. See Imprint, Contact.

These parts, not so much:

This is a wiki. Want to improve this page? Help is welcome and volunteer contributions are happily considered! Read, understand and agree to Conditions for Contributions to Whonix ™, then Edit! Edits are held for moderation. Policy of Whonix Website and Whonix Chat and Policy On Nonfreedom Software applies.

The personal opinions of moderators or contributors to the Whonix ™ project do not represent the project as a whole.

&

Unless otherwise noted, the content of this page is copyrighted and licensed under the same Freedom Software license as Whonix ™ itself. (Why?)

So maybe those parts could be cut out of the footer and placed it instead in Whonix:Copyrights - Whonix chapter Wiki (or wherever else is suitable).

The “Unless otherwise noted…” part could simply be replaced with something like: “For other terms, conditions and policies please refer to [[Whonix:Copyrights]].”

1 Like

torjunkie via Whonix Forum:

These parts, not so much:

This is a wiki. Want to improve this page? Help is welcome and volunteer contributions are happily considered! Read, understand and agree to Conditions for Contributions to Whonix ™, then Edit! Edits are held for moderation. Policy of Whonix Website and Whonix Chat and Policy On Nonfreedom Software applies.

Right, something can be done. There is the mediawiki standard text when
attempting to edit anything. Is shown even for admins.

Please note that all contributions to Whonix may be edited, altered,
or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be
edited mercilessly, then do not submit it here.

You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself, or copied it
from a public domain or similar free resource (see Whonix:Copyrights for
details). Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

That text can probably be modified and extended.

The personal opinions of moderators or contributors to the Whonix ™ project do not represent the project as a whole.

Somewhat of an insurance. This is to prevent some potential future
drama. I cannot and it’s not my job to police what legal options others
hold outside of Whonix project resources. Often issues are two sided,
complicated and time consuming to research and have an opinion on
everything.

&

Unless otherwise noted, the content of this page is copyrighted and licensed under the same Freedom Software license as Whonix ™ itself. (Why?)

This is now gone.

So maybe those parts could be cut out of the footer and placed it instead in Whonix:Copyrights - Whonix chapter Wiki (or wherever else is suitable).

Done.

The “Unless otherwise noted…” part could simply be replaced with something like: “For other terms, conditions and policies please refer to [[Whonix:Copyrights]].”

Done.

Great.

BTW most v2 onions upgraded to v3. This is what remains on that original list (that were editable and recommended for changes):

  • Invisible Internet Project (I2P) - will fix
  • Encrypted Email with Thunderbird @tempest - not sure of the v3 onion hosting link for danwin email provider i.e. there’s a v2 link mentioned in various places. Would have to research more.
  • Dev/git - Whonix - will fix
  • Dev/Permanent Takedown Attack Defender - Whonix - will fix

Can’t be bothered with this one:

  • Onion Gaming - Whonix - not fixable without a lot of work setting up servers etc. Not worth the effort, since hardly used AFAIK. If that contributor comes back, they can upgrade instructions to Whonix 15 (or 16) and give v3 onion examples.

@nurmagoz your Diaspora link (Online Profiles page) was updated to v3, but the Whonix page gives a 404 link (clearnet as well). Please update or remove that entry if it’s dead.

2 Likes

Installing Newer Tor Versions is confusing. The easy way (package anon-shared-build-apt-sources-tpo) works for Non-Qubes-Whonix, Qubes-Whonix and Kicksecure.

The complicated way of downloading Tor Project signing key in an AppVM or DispVM is only required for Qubes Debian templates. Doing that perfect with secure curl, onion and whatnot seems just to add too much confusion.

I failed to simplify/restructure that article without moving the Qubes Debian template stuff out.

Do we really need to host documentation for Qubes Debian templates? Could be out sourced to Qubes documentation or Qubes community documentation?

Rejected Contributors: Difference between revisions - Whonix. Anonymous edit. Unknown forum user account / github user account. Planned / future contributions don’t count. We don’t have a codified policy yet how fast one gets added there, specifically in the list of current contributors.

The long text from Template:Footer - Whonix

This is a wiki. Want to improve this page? Help is welcome and volunteer contributions are happily considered! Read, understand and agree to [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights#Conditions_for_Contributions_to_{{project name}}|Conditions for Contributions to {{project name}}]], then {{Edit_it}}! Edits are held for moderation. [[Policy of {{project_name_short}} Website and {{project_name_short}} Chat]] and [[Policy On Nonfreedom Software]] applies.

is a bit silly indeed since there are edit buttons all over the place anyhow. This might not be read. However, the legal banner applies anyhow and cannot be overlooked. Therefore not really legally required. And as a reminder for those who ignore legal banners, showing that right before the wiki save changes button should be even better.

Therefore editing MediaWiki:Copyrightwarning2 - Whonix instead. That is the text when pressing any edit button anyhwere in the wiki.

Please note that all contributions to {{SITENAME}} may be edited, altered, or removed by other contributors. If you do not want your writing to be edited mercilessly and redistributed at will, then do not submit it here.

You are also promising us that you wrote this yourself. Before copying content here from elsewhere, ask for approval by admins in {{SITENAME}} forums.

Do not submit copyrighted work without permission!

Want to improve this page? Help is welcome and volunteer contributions are happily considered! Read, understand and agree to [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights#Conditions_for_Contributions_to_{{project name}}|Conditions for Contributions to {{project name}}]]. Edits are held for moderation. [[Policy of {{project_name_short}} Website and {{project_name_short}} Chat]] and [[Policy On Nonfreedom Software]] applies.

Related:
https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Manual:$wgRightsText

We can safely drop:

{{project name}} is produced independently from the Tor{{link|link=https://2019.www.torproject.org/docs/trademark-faq.html.en}} anonymity software and carries no guarantee from {{link|link=https://www.torproject.org Tor Project}} about quality, suitability or anything else.

That is because Whonix isn’t called TorBOX anymore for years. That sentence is only requested by The Tor Project page Tor Project: Trademark FAQ

How can I use the name “Tor”?

The Tor Project encourages developers to use the name Tor in ways that do not confuse the public about the source of anonymity software and services. If you are building open-source non-commercial software or services that incorporate or work with The Tor Project’s code, you may use the name “Tor” in an accurate description of your work. We ask you to include a link to the official Tor website https://www.torproject.org/ so users can verify the original source of Tor for themselves, and a note indicating that your project is not sponsored by The Tor Project. For example, “This product is produced independently from the Tor® anonymity software and carries no guarantee from The Tor Project about quality, suitability or anything else.”

Whonix doesn’t use the word Tor in ways easily confused with Whonix. Wording such as “based on Tor” is very clear. Should there be places where it’s confusing, which I doubt, we fix those. Could also consider though likely needed to copy/paste these disclaimers to any pages that need it (as a wiki template).

I don’t think this applies here.

As well as safely drop:

{{project name}} is a derivative of and not affiliated with {{link|link=https://www.debian.org}}. {{link|link=https://www.debian.org/trademark is a registered trademark}} owned by {{link|link=https://www.spi-inc.org/ in the Public Interest, Inc}}.

No need to have it for completeness sake. Whonix isn’t easily confused with Debian either. Completeness sake is a mistake here because Whonix is not producing VirtualBox either or any other software packages in use / talking about.

Next thing to cut:

[[{{project name short}}:Copyrights|Copyright (C) software]] / [[{{project name short}}:Copyrights#Wiki|wiki]]. {{project name}} is Freedom Software / Open Source. ([[Why_{{project name short}}_is_Freedom_Software|Why?]]) [[{{project name short}} Trademark Policy|{{project name}} is a trademark.]] {{project name}} is a {{link|link=https://www.openinventionnetwork.com/licensees.php}} of the {{link|link=https://www.openinventionnetwork.com Invention Network}}.

Reduced to:

Whonix Copyright (C) software / wiki. Whonix ™ is Freedom Software / Open Source. (Why?)

Moved to:

We’re down to:

Whonix Copyright (C) software / wiki. Whonix ™ is Freedom Software / Open Source. (Why?)

The personal opinions of moderators or contributors to the Whonix ™ project do not represent the project as a whole.

By using our website, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agreed to our Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms of Service, and E-Sign Consent. Whonix ™ is provided by ENCRYPTED SUPPORT LP. See Imprint, Contact.

Maybe I’ll manage to re-organize the “fake footer” (Template:Footer) and the “real footer”.

This page was last edited on 17 June 2021, at 21:49.
Imprint

Then that redundancy could be reduced.

Also mentions of:

Category: Documentation

doesn’t seem very important and would be good if could be hidden using CSS or so?

And mention of:

This page was last edited on 2 September 2019, at 05:39.

would also be best disabled or hidden with CSS?