How are lemmy instances being funded, what kind of entity owns them, and if incorporated where? E.g. private individual, LLC, C Corp, non profit, S Corp, Benefit Corp, etc
What do you all think about having the documentation suggest instances supply this?
What are the long term plans for funding?
I think the time to figure this out is now due to the real golden rule: “The one who as the gold makes the rules.”
If in the US, I would suggest a benefit corporation. A benefit corporation allows making a profit but isn’t the sole aim of the organization. IANAL, but from my understanding it is like a corporation and non-profit hybrid. This provides flexibility and funding opportunities.
What is stopping an instance run by a for profit entity from becoming THE instance and ending up in the same situation as we were with Reddit in X years? I understand the federation aspect, but suppose that instance de-federates.
What does everyone else think? Am I making sense?
I suspect it’s not possible to build it. The problem isn’t code, it’s law. HIPAA compliance is a requirement. The patient would need to sign off on each request for information about their health, and the entities who have the information will require that approval. If there is not a system in place for them to share this information, they’re not going to create it for you.
IANAL or a Medical professional. I do work for a company that’s decided not to do what you are thinking about though.