[OSM-legal-talk] How to remove my data since 2006

[Frederik Ramm]

Hi,

On 01/05/11 09:01, ce-test, qualified testing bv - Gert Gremmen wrote:
> Is there a tool available to remove all my contributed data from osm,
> safeguard it, and allows me to resubmit once I can agree
> with the CT and new license ?

No. You would probably negatively affect a lot of other contributions by 
removing your data. This might be considered vandalism. If you were to 
remove your data now, others would probably undo the removal.

Also, re-submitting your data later would create new objects, thus 
destroying the history; this is something we would not want to become 
the normal procedure.

> Once the CT becomes binding, this will have to be carried
> out by OSMF anyway for a substantial number of users,

I don't expect the number to be substantial.

> so it would be best to allow for users to do this themselves.

Certainly not; even if OSMF has to remove data from users who have not 
relicensed their data, it is better to do so in one co-ordinated process 
rather than lots of people trying to do it themselves.

> Of course, there has to be discussed about the rules that will
> govern the removals, as 1^st of April is quickly coming, we should start the
> discussion.

Nothing will be removed on 1st April. 1st April only means that you will 
not be allowed to edit *with your old account* if you haven't agreed to 
the CT.

> In addition we need to determine a procedure so as users
> cannot remove data from other contributors, so some authentication
> is required.

No. Everyone in OSM can remove everything without authentication.

> Anyone thinking about it ?
> Can we start a discussion ?

Why do you worry? Just leave this to OSMF. If they don't do their job 
properly you can still sue them for violating your copyright.

In addition to all the other problems you would be causing, you would 
also hurt any potential CC-BY-SA forks (which are likely to use the last 
published CC-BY-SA planet as a starting point, and that planet would not 
contain your data if you remove it prematurely).

Bye
Frederik