[Date Prev][Date Next] [Thread Prev][Thread Next] [Date Index] [Thread Index]

Re: Proposal: The DFSG do not require source code for data, including firmware



#include <hallo.h>
* Frans Pop [Wed, Aug 23 2006, 02:28:30AM]:
> Seconded.

Also seconded.

> >          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.
> > 
> > ==============================================================================



-- 
Ich weiß nicht, welche Waffen im nächsten Krieg zur Anwendung kommen,
wohl aber, welche im übernächsten: Pfeil und Bogen.
		-- Albert Einstein

Attachment: signature.asc
Description: Digital signature


Reply to: