Changeset - f53db9025a0d
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Bradley Kuhn (bkuhn) - 10 years ago 2014-03-20 20:42:02
bkuhn@ebb.org
Remove FIXME and add subsection
1 file changed with 1 insertions and 2 deletions:
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gpl-lgpl.tex
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@@ -2880,66 +2880,65 @@ Meanwhile, GPLv3~\S6(d) permits distribution of a work in object code form
 
over a network, provided that the distributor offers equivalent access to
 
copy the Corresponding Source Code ``in the same way through the same
 
place''.  This wording might be interpreted to permit peer-to-peer
 
distribution of binaries \textit{if} they are packaged together with the CCS,
 
but such packaging impractical, for at least three reasons.  First, even if
 
the CCS is packaged with the object code, it will only be available to a
 
non-seeding peer at the end of the distribution process, but the peer will
 
already have been providing parts of the binary to others in the network.
 
Second, in practice, peer-to-peer forms of transmission are poorly suited
 
means for distributing CCS.  In large distributions, packaging CCS with the
 
object code may result in a substantial increase in file size and
 
transmission time.  Third, in current practice, CCS packages themselves tend
 
\textit{not} to be transmitted through BitTorrent --- owing to reduced demand
 
-- thus, there generally will be too few participants downloading the same
 
source package at the same time to enable effective seeding and distribution.
 

	
 
GPLv3~\S6(e) addresses this issues.  If a licensee conveys such a work of
 
object code using peer-to-peer transmission, that licensee is in compliance
 
with GPLv3~\S6 if the licensee informs other peers where the object code and
 
its CCS are publicly available at no charge under subsection GPLv3~\S6(d).
 
The CCS therefore need not be provided through the peer-to-peer system that
 
was used for providing the binary.
 

	
 
Second, GPLv3\S9 also clarifies that ancillary propagation of a covered work
 
that occurs as part of the process of peer-to-peer file transmission does not
 
require acceptance, just as mere receipt and execution of the Program does
 
not require acceptance.  Such ancillary propagation is permitted without
 
limitation or further obligation.
 

	
 
% FIXME-LATER: Would be nice to explain much more about interactions between
 
% the various options of GPLv3~\S6(a-e), which might all be in play at once!
 

	
 
% FIXME: installation information??
 

	
 
\subsection{User Products, Installation Information and Device Lock-Down}
 

	
 
% FIXME: perhaps this additional information isn't needed, next 3 paras, but
 
%        there might be something good here
 

	
 
Another major goal for GPLv3 has been to thwart technical measures such as
 
signature checks in hardware to prevent modification of GPLed software on a
 
device.  Previous drafts attempted to accomplish this by defining
 
"Corresponding Source" to include any encryption or authorization keys
 
necessary to install new versions of the software.  A number of members of
 
the community questioned the impact and utility of such a definition.
 

	
 
The third discussion draft uses a different strategy to accomplish the same
 
task.  Section 6 requires that parties distributing object code provide
 
recipients with the source code through certain means.  Now, when those
 
distributors pass on the source, they are also required to pass on any
 
information or data necessary to install modified software on the
 
particular device that included it.  We believe that this will more
 
precisely accomplish our goals, and avoid potential problems with expanding
 
the definition of source code.  The new strategy should be familiar to free
 
software developers: the GNU LGPL has long had similar requirements that
 
enable users to link proprietary programs to modified libraries.
 

	
 
\label{user-product}
 
In addition, the scope of these requirements has been narrowed.  This draft
 
introduces the concept of a "User Product," which includes devices that are
 
sold for personal, family, or household use.  Distributors are only
 
required to provide installation information when they convey object code
 
in a User Product.  After some discussion with committees, we discovered
 
that the proposals in the second discussion draft would interfere with a
 
number of existing business models that don't seem to be dangerous.  We
 
believe that this compromise will achieve the greatest success in
 
preventing tivoization.
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