MESSAGE
| DATE | 2002-02-02 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
|
| SUBJECT | Subject: [hangout] Moglin Discussion at LWE - Future of the GPL
|
After giving it much consideration, I'm really concerned about the
potential extention of the GPL to include private use of non-released
extenssions, of GPLed software which is made available for use to the
public through an application server.
This is just the kind of fears businesses most worry about when
using GPLed software. Here is the gist of the problem as I see it.
MYEASYBANK coperation uses GPLed software and alters the code
for improvement. They use it to run their ATM network, and Bank
Machines. The bank NEVER has an intention to release the code,
or it's changes, and would never use the GPLed software if they
thought that it's use would cause them to be legally obliged to
release the coding extenssions which they made to the software.
According to Moglin, this sort of use is being considered to be
included as a form 'distribution' of the program. He also is
considering that copyright itself might legally come to define
this as distributution.
In either case, IMO, the private parties choosing Free Software
must be protected from this kind of unforseen events. I have not
seen any argument that persuades that including these forms of
distribution will enhance the liberty of the software base, or the
individuals who depend on code for practice.
I'm open to change my mind, but I don't even see any reason for
considering exending the source code release protections to this
extent, which would extend it so far, as to erode the 4th ammendment
property rights of indivuals, forgetting even the corperate issues.
The GPL, ubnder this condition, would reach into my machine and
force exposure, just like the DMCA.
Maybe someone smarter than me can explain why I'm wrong?
Ruben
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