Anyone who lives Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria can no longer access the open source code repository SourceForge.net.
Since 2003, the SourceForge terms and conditions of use have prohibited certain people from accessing or posting information on SourceForge.net. The enemy lists are created by the US government’s Department of Commerce and Bureau of Industry and Security.
“Last week, SourceForge.net began automatic blocking of certain IP addresses to enforce those conditions of use,” explained SourceForge editor Lee Schlesinger.
“We regret deeply that these sanctions may impact individuals who have no malicious intent along with those whom the rules are designed to punish. However, until either the designated governments alter the practices that got them on the sanctions list, or the US government’s policies change, the situation must remain as it is.”
ZDnet’s Dana Blankenhorn wrote a column today about SourceForge’s decision.
