linuxmint / linuxmint/mintsources

[Feature request] Display repository GPG key (signed-by) in Software Sources

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#268 1 comment 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub

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Dominant language
Python
Stars
59
Forks
80
PR merge metrics
No merged PRs in 30d

Description

Since APT now recommends per-repository GPG keys using the signed-by= directive (stored in /usr/share/keyrings/), the Software Sources tool no longer shows any authentication keys, even though they are correctly configured and used by APT.

This can be confusing for users, especially those who added third-party repositories manually and want to audit or verify their system configuration.

Suggested improvement
For each enabled repository, display (read-only):

  • GPG key file used (signed-by=…)
  • Key fingerprint (optional)
  • Key location (/usr/share/keyrings/…)
  • Status (key present / missing)
    This information could be shown in an “Advanced” or “Details” view to keep the UI simple for non-technical users.

Benefits

  • Improves transparency and trust in third-party repositories
  • Aligns the GUI with modern APT security practices
  • Helps users audit and reproduce clean system installations
  • Reduces confusion caused by the now-empty “Authentication keys” section

Cheers

Contributor guide

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First steps

  1. Read the whole issue, then the project's contributing guide.
  2. Comment on the issue to say you are picking it up — it saves two people doing the same work.
  3. Fork the repository and make your change on a branch.
  4. Open a pull request that references the issue number.

Research direction

Start by locating the Software Sources tool's repository and authentication-key UI, then trace how enabled APT repositories are read. Define how signed-by= paths, optional fingerprints, key locations, and present/missing status should appear in an Advanced or Details view. Done means each enabled repository exposes this information read-only without making the main UI less approachable.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
python
Domain
desktop, security
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
4/5
Estimated time
3-5 days
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
45/100

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