Bug#30340: Draft new DFSG - r1.4

[Ian Jackson <ian@chiark.greenend.org.uk>]

Package: project

Jason Gunthorpe writes ("Re: Draft new DFSG - r1.4"):
> On Fri, 27 Nov 1998, Ian Jackson wrote:
> >  i. When distribution is made by public anonymous download, the
> > licence restriction is satisfied if the source code is made available
> > on the same site as the executable, at all times when the executable
> > is available.
> 
> We don't actually assure that. We have binary-only mirrors, binary-only
> CD's and we have binaries in the archive that do not have source for their
> exact versions.

Then we are violating the GPL.  In particular, a binary-only mirror
cannot meet the letter of the GPL.  If you want to dispute this,
please do so on debian-legal.

We must (ie, are legally required) do one of the following:

(a) throw out all GPL'd software;

(b) persuade RMS to remove the `from the same place' restriction in
the GPL electronic distribution clause;

(c) contact all copyright holders of all GPL'd software in our
distribution to get permission from them.

(d) stop having binary-only mirrors.

Which do you think we should do ?

Hint: only (d) is feasible in the short term.  (b) might be feasible
later.  (a) and (c) are totally out of the question.

I think we should do (d).

With this message, I have filed a bug.

Ian.