Developing Open Source Defense Projects 388
An anonymous reader writes "I'm a developer looking to develop an open source surface-to-air missile guidance system, with the aim of helping developing nations develop low-cost missile defense systems to aid them against attack by the warplanes of invading forces. However, given the very nature of the project, I feel I may be walking into a bit of a minefield regarding the legalities of such a project, since, as I'm sure you can imagine, this project could easily benefit hostile nations was well as relatively peaceful ones! Unfortunately, since Google does not seem to shed much light on the subject, I'd be very interested in hearing Slashdot's views on the matter, especially some advice from those in the know about the legal matters - whether there would be any restrictions (exports, perhaps?) or whether it would be simply plain illegal to develop!"
ITAR (Score:5, Informative)
The answer to the question is of course: ITAR, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which is detailed here: http://pmdtc.org/reference.htm
"127.1 Violations.
(a) It is unlawful:
(1) To export or attempt to export
from the United States any defense article
or technical data or to furnish
any defense service for which a license
or written approval is required by this
subchapter without first obtaining the
required license or written approval
from the Office of Defense Trade Controls;"
GTFM! (Score:5, Informative)
Re:I agree, lets have more truly funny stories (Score:1, Informative)
Believe it or not that's totally true. I'm not kidding.
Re:Right (Score:2, Informative)
Because everyone knows the sword was invented after the shield.
No, the pilum [larp.com] was invented after the shield.
What if it's REAL (Score:5, Informative)
ITAR/EAR not necessarily applicable. (Score:3, Informative)
I am not a lawyer.