Re: Proposal: The DFSG do not require source code for data, including firmware
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Steve Langasek wrote:
> So, without further ado:
>
> The application of DFSG#2 to firmware and other data
> ====================================================
>
> The Debian Project recognizes that access to source code for a work
> of software is very important for software freedom, but at the
> same time "source" is often not a well-defined concept for works
> other than those traditionally considered "programs". The most
> commonly cited definition is that found in version 2 of the GNU
> GPL, "the preferred form of the work for making modifications to
> it," but for non-program works, it is not always clear that
> requiring this "source" as a precondition of inclusion in main is
> in the best interest of our users or advances the cause of Free
> Software:
>
> - The author's preferred form for modification may require non-free
> tools in order to be converted into its final "binary" form; e.g.,
> some device firmware, videos, and graphics. - The preferred form
> for modification may be orders of magnitude larger than the final
> "binary" form, resulting in prohibitive mirror space requirements
> out of proportion to the benefits of making this source universally
> available; e.g., some videos. - The "binary" and "source" forms of
> a work may be interconvertible with no data loss, and each may be
> the preferred form for modification by different users with
> different tools at their disposal; e.g., some fonts.
>
> While the Debian Free Software Guidelines assert that source code
> is a paramount requirement for programs, they do not state that
> this is the case for non-program works, which permits us to
> consider whether one of the above points justifies a pragmatic
> concession to the larger context within which Free Software
> operates.
>
> THE DEBIAN PROJECT therefore,
>
> 1. reaffirms its dedication to providing a 100% free system to our
> users according to our Social Contract and the DFSG; and
>
> 2. encourages authors of all works to make those works available
> not only under licenses that permit modification, but also in forms
> that make such modifications practical; and
>
> 3. supports the decision of the Release Team to require works such
> as images, video, and fonts to be licensed in compliance with the
> DFSG without requiring source code for these works under DFSG #2;
> and
>
> 4. determines that for the purposes of DFSG #2, device firmware
> shall also not be considered a program.
>
> ==============================================================================
>
>
>
I think this is a well thought out and sensible proposal, and will
therefore second it.
Cheers,
Nick
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