[Talk-GB] Brexit and OpenStreetMap

[David Woolley]

On 14/09/2020 13:51, Tony Shield wrote:
> 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.
> 

The United States is generally understood to have very weak data 
protection laws, but still manages to operate within Europe, although 
sometimes using Irish or Luxembourg proxies.

> 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.

I imagine that is the way that most big organisations will go, not just 
on privacy.

Having said that, is it actually the case that data protection law is 
being revoked at the end of the year.  I doubt it.

Of course, the map itself should not contain any personal data, as, even 
when based in the UK, I don't see how adequate controls could be applied 
to unpaid volunteers.