I reviewed the new Terms of Service of Feb 25 which will come into effect on Mar 27, 2025
https://policies.python.org/pypi.org/Terms-of-Service/
They supersede the old terms of use.
Some paragraphs seem very concerning to me. I am hence wondering:
is PSF moving pypi to a paid subscription model?
Is PSF looking to abolish package neutrality on pypi?
There are substantial passages indicating pay-for-service products (references below)
Re package neutrality, after the change, packages and accounts can be removed by PSF without any reason given or process necessary. Secondary damages caused by such an act - e.g., deleting a popular package - are also explicitly ruled out from liability on the side of PSF.
(references below)
Taken together, the terms of services could be seen as indicating a move towards a commercial, competitive package hosting model. It is of course hard to predict how far this move will go, but the changes may be seen as clearly indicative of this direction.
I also do think that this change in terms of services should be discussed by the community as a whole, as they seem to alter substantially the de-facto character of pypi and PSF.
It would be appreciated if PSF leadership could comment on whether such a discussion has taken place, and if yes, explain where and how the decision has been taken, and link to public minutes.
References - paid service model, package neutrality
paid service model:
new, extensive “paid services” section in Terms of Service - Python Software Foundation Policies
abandoning package neutrality:
“PSF has the right to suspend or terminate your access to all or any part of the Website at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice, effective immediately. PSF reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.”
“You understand and agree that we will not be liable to you or any third party for any loss of profits, use, goodwill, or data, or for any incidental, indirect, special, consequential or exemplary damages, however arising, that result from […]”