View source for RE License Development Overview

= Rebel Earthling License (RE-L) Development Overview =

The '''Rebel Earthling License (RE-L)''' is an adaptable, traceable, and community-centered licensing framework designed to support the creation of ethical, sustainable, and modular projects within the Seigr ecosystem. This overview details the RE-L’s foundational elements, guiding principles, and development goals, while emphasizing how it integrates directly with Seigr’s data architecture, particularly within the [[Special:MyLanguage/.seigr|.seigr file format]].

Seigr envisions the RE-L as the default licensing structure embedded in every .seigr capsule, ensuring that all Seigr-encoded data aligns with the principles of transparency, modularity, and ethical responsibility.

== Core Goals of the RE-L ==

The RE-L is crafted with key objectives that reflect Seigr’s commitment to decentralized collaboration and sustainable data management:
* '''Transparency and Traceability''': Every contribution, update, and derivative work is meticulously documented, creating a clear and verifiable history for each project. This traceability is intrinsic to Seigr’s data lineage system.
* '''Modularity and Collaboration''': Contributions are structured into independent layers, called Contribution Units (CUs), allowing each element to retain unique value and attribution within the broader .seigr capsule.
* '''Ethical, Sustainable Use''': Projects licensed under the RE-L are intended to uphold Seigr’s environmental and ethical values, encouraging responsible, eco-conscious innovation.

== Integration with .seigr Data Architecture ==

The RE-L is designed to work seamlessly within the .seigr file format, making it an integral part of each Seigr data capsule’s metadata. This ensures that every piece of content in Seigr’s ecosystem—whether a file, data segment, or project—retains a consistent, traceable license that can be universally understood and adapted by users.

=== How the RE-L is Embedded in .seigr Files ===
The RE-L metadata, including contribution histories, licensing details, and usage guidelines, is directly encoded within .seigr capsules:
* '''Default License for All Data Capsules''': Every .seigr file is licensed under the RE-L by default, ensuring all Seigr-based content is governed by the same ethical and collaborative standards.
* '''Metadata Integration''': Each .seigr capsule includes RE-L metadata fields that specify contributor roles, licensing terms, ethical tags, and version control.
* '''Verification and Lineage Tracking''': RE-L metadata is fully compatible with Seigr’s data lineage tracking, making it possible to verify each layer of contribution and any modifications over time.

== Key Elements of the RE-L ==

The RE-L framework consists of core components that support ethical, collaborative, and modular content creation, enhancing Seigr’s data architecture.

=== 1. Contribution Units (CUs) ===
A '''Contribution Unit (CU)''' is a modular block within an RE-licensed project—such as a code snippet, sound file, or text segment. Each CU is self-contained and independently signed, including:
* '''Independent Signature''': Each CU is signed by its contributor, using a name, pseudonym, or other unique identifier, preserving accountability.
* '''Detailed Metadata''': CUs contain metadata such as contributor roles, creation date, versioning information, and links to other related CUs.
* '''Contribution Chains''': CUs are linked through Contribution Chains, forming a verifiable connection between each layer of contributions within a .seigr capsule.

This modularity ensures that each CU retains its own metadata and integrity while contributing to the broader project.

=== 2. Collaborative Contribution Log ===
The '''Collaborative Contribution Log''' records each CU within a project, providing a transparent history of each contribution and modification. The log includes:
* '''Contributor Name(s)''': Names or pseudonyms of each CU’s contributor.
* '''Contribution Type''': Description of the contribution (e.g., “data enhancement,” “audio design”).
* '''Timestamp''': Date and time of each CU addition or modification.
* '''Change Description''': A summary of what was added, modified, or refined.
* '''Version Identifier''': Unique identifiers for each version, which may include cryptographic hashes for further security.
* '''Ethical and Environmental Tags''': Indicate compliance with Seigr’s ethical guidelines and sustainability practices.

=== 3. Digital Signature and Aggregate Metadata ===
The RE-L includes a '''Digital Signature Tool''', enabling contributors to digitally sign RE-L metadata directly into any CU or final project file. Contributors generate or select a unique key, which is used to sign their contributions. The aggregate metadata provides:
* '''Contributors’ Manifest''': A detailed record of each contributor’s role and signature.
* '''Contribution Summary''': A concise breakdown of each CU’s role within the project.
* '''Usage Metadata''': Guidelines that specify how individual CUs can be used, modified, or adapted.

The '''Aggregate Metadata Layer''' consolidates this information in accessible formats (e.g., JSON), allowing metadata compatibility across different platforms and systems.

=== 4. RE L-to-RE L Structure ===
The '''RE L-to-RE L''' concept enables a cumulative structure where each derivative work adds a new “layer” to the original project. Each RE L layer:
* '''Maintains Original Context''': Every derivative is linked back to its source through a traceable chain.
* '''Adaptive Contribution Units (ACUs)''': Modifications specific to a derivative are recorded as Adaptive Contribution Units (ACUs), ensuring clarity in each project’s evolution.
* '''Complete Chain of Derivatives''': The structure displays the entire lineage, showing each contribution from the original to the latest derivative.
* '''Aggregate Metadata for Each Layer''': Final files present a full view of the RE L layers, showing the entire contribution chain and associated license details.

For further details, see [[RE L-to-RE L Key Features]].

=== 5. Unified Contributor Registry ===
The '''Global Contributor Registry''' keeps a searchable, linked record of contributors across all RE-licensed content in Seigr:
* '''Contribution Histories''': Every contributor’s work is logged and searchable across Seigr’s ecosystem.
* '''Linked Profiles''': Contributors can link registry entries to external profiles (e.g., GitHub, Seigr profiles) to ensure cross-platform attribution.

=== 6. Community Integrity and Ethical Flagging ===
A '''Community Integrity Flagging System''' reinforces Seigr’s ethical values:
* '''Flagging Misuse''': Community members can flag content that violates RE-L standards (e.g., unethical adaptations or unsustainable practices).
* '''Constructive Feedback''': Flagging requires feedback, promoting respectful, community-focused resolutions.

== Workflow for Developing RE-Licensed Content ==

The RE-L structure encourages straightforward adoption within Seigr’s .seigr framework:

* '''Initial File Creation and CU Generation''': A project begins with the creation of the initial CUs, embedded within the .seigr file and logged with metadata using the RE-L’s Digital Signature Tool.
* '''Adding and Modifying CUs''': Contributors sign each CU independently, with related contributions linked through Contribution Chains, which are automatically logged in the .seigr capsule.
* '''Versioning and Verification''': Each .seigr capsule maintains version control within the RE-L structure, ensuring that all contributions are verifiable and traceable within Seigr’s ecosystem.
* '''Global Registry Entry''': All contributors are registered in the Global Contributor Registry, providing transparent, traceable attribution across Seigr’s ecosystem.

== Development Goals for the RE-L ==

Current development focuses on enhancing the RE-L framework to support Seigr’s adaptive, community-centered approach:
* '''Enhanced Digital Signature Tool''': Expanding functionality to allow contributors to manage their own keys, making it easier to sign and verify CUs.
* '''RE-L Verification Tool''': A utility to read, verify, and log metadata across RE-licensed projects, enhancing transparency.
* '''Unified Contributor Registry''': Establish a centralized, searchable registry that tracks contributors across all RE-licensed projects in Seigr’s network.
* '''Community Integrity Protocol''': Implement and refine an ethical flagging system to maintain community standards and ensure ethical collaboration.

== Future Directions for the RE-L ==

Planned expansions for the RE-L include:
* '''API Integration''': Enable real-time embedding of RE-L metadata on external platforms.
* '''Cross-License Compatibility''': Ensure compatibility with other licenses (e.g., Creative Commons) to facilitate adoption and broader interoperability.
* '''Online Verification''': Allow real-time verification of content with instant access to contribution history and licensing information.

== Key Pair Management and Digital Signature Implementation ==

The RE-L includes a digital signature framework allowing contributors to embed unique signatures within .seigr-licensed files. Features include:
* '''Key Pair Management''': Contributors can select or generate RSA key pairs for signing CUs, ensuring integrity.
* '''Metadata Signing''': Each CU’s metadata is hashed and signed with the contributor’s private key, embedding a digital signature.
* '''Public Key Verification''': The RE-L Verification Tool can verify signatures using contributors’ public keys, maintaining a robust chain of authenticity.

== Next Steps ==

* '''Finalize RE-L Metadata''': Ensure consistency and compatibility across .seigr storage.
* '''Expand Digital Signature and Verification Tools''': Develop additional features for key management and signature verification.
* '''Beta-Test Community Integrity Protocol''': Refine ethical flagging based on community feedback.
* '''Launch Unified Contributor Registry''': Implement a standardized, centralized registry for RE-licensed content within Seigr.

The RE-L will continue to evolve alongside Seigr’s mission, ensuring transparency, modularity, and a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. This licensing model is open, adaptable, and uniquely suited to Seigr’s vision of a decentralized, eco-conscious data ecosystem that others can adopt and adapt if they wish.