(debian-policy.info)The non-free archive area

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2.2.3 The non-free archive area
-------------------------------

The `non-free' archive area contains supplemental packages intended to
work with the Debian distribution that do not comply with the DFSG or
have other problems that make their distribution problematic.  They may
not comply with all of the policy requirements in this manual due to
restrictions on modifications or other limitations.

Packages must be placed in `non-free' if they are not compliant with the
DFSG or are encumbered by patents or other legal issues that make their
distribution problematic.

In addition, the packages in `non-free'

   - must not be so buggy that we refuse to support them, and

   - must meet all policy requirements presented in this manual that it
     is possible for them to meet.  (1)

   ---------- Footnotes ----------

   (1) It is possible that there are policy requirements which the
package is unable to meet, for example, if the source is unavailable.
These situations will need to be handled on a case-by-case basis.