[Talk-GB] Brexit and OpenStreetMap

[Tony Shield]

Saw this subject in WeeklyOSM 529

  https://www.weeklyosm.eu/en/archives/13734/
Has someone analyzed the effects of Brexit on OpenStreetMap and which responses could be undertaken to fix potential problems?

For example have you looked at the consequences, cost and effort of moving the OpenStreetMap-Foundation to a EU-country and on the problems of staying in the UK (e.g. database protection for new databases by UK citizens will not be given in the EU).

Could we keep the servers in the UK but provide services under a different jurisdiction (because the foundation seat is moved)?

Is it possible to move the foundation, and what are the requirements? Maybe we should ask the membership what they would think about such a move? Has the board voiced its standpoint?


If something has been written about the specific situation of OpenStreetMap I would be interested in a link. I would also be interested in learning about your thoughts wrt brexit and OpenStreetMap. Publicly it seems we have mostly avoided any related considerations, until last year many had been hoping that someone would still stop it, but now it will become effective in only 4 months.

Cheers Martin

I'm a OSM GB member not fully understanding the structure of OSM but 
here goes -

GB is soon to be like any non-EU country. Brexit occurred 31 January 
last and Withdrawal Agreement ends 31 December 2020.

The question becomes is the OSMF so dependent on EU laws that it cannot 
operate outside the EU. OSM is a global effort and operates in many 
places where laws are substantially different to those of GB and EU. 
Laws are also different within the EU.

By thinking of moving OSMF from UK to EU because of Brexit are you 
saying that OSMF may never be able to function outside the EU - what 
about Switzerland where many international organisations are based, or 
United States. These are respected countries which should be considered 
if relocation is deemed necessary.

With respect to data privacy what is to stop OSMF mandating in its 
contracts and operation that the relevant EU data laws are adhered to. 
Maintaining data integrity and security is a function of OSMF, these 
functions are mandated by EU law, OSMF wherever it is domiciled can base 
its operations on the implementation of EU law.

With respect to current operations where OSM/OSMF operate or communicate 
outside the EU what protections are necessary?

Regards

Tony Shield

aka TonyS999