Re: kernel.org status: establishing a PGP web of trust

Adrian Bunk
2011-10-03T18:04:57Z

On Mon, Oct 03, 2011 at 12:28:17PM -0400, Frank Ch. Eigler wrote:
>
> bunk@stusta.de wrote:
>
> > [...]
> >> You probably know enough people (including myself) that would be willing
> >> to sign your key over the phone.
> >>...
> >
> > You have personally checked Rafael's user id (e.g. passport)?
> >
> > This might or might not be true in this case, but generally signing keys
> > without having ever checked the user id (no matter how long you know the
> > person) is a common mistake.
>
> What is the threat that this passport checking is intended to cure?
> That someone else might have been impersonating Rafael for years,
> sending patches, chatting in email and over the phone, and attending
> conferences?

Key signing is an identity check.

> If so, perhaps the impostor is of more value to the
> project than the Real Rafael.

Pseudonymous contributions to the kernel are not allowed.

> - FChE

cu
Adrian

--

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of the darkness. There had been need of rain for many days.
"Only a promise," Lao Er said.
Pearl S. Buck - Dragon Seed