I don't think you're right... [LWN.net]

I don't think you're right...

Posted Sep 28, 2006 2:32 UTC (Thu) by ibukanov (subscriber, #3942)
In reply to: I don't think you're right... by hummassa
Parent article: Why Torvalds is sitting out the GPLv3 process (Linux.com)

> IMHO, "any encryption or authorization keys necessary to install and/or execute modified versions from source code in the recommended or principal context of use" includes access keys that would allow you to access your phone thru your GSM operator in the scenario you described because those are "necessary to install and/or execute..."

In the case of the box that accepts firmwire only from a server with particular SSL sertificate there is no "encryption or authorization keys necessary to install". You just need to upload the files on the server. And that particular server happens to require that to upload files you need to come to a server room and put some physical media into the server.

The same story with GSM. There could be no keys, just physical barriers that prevents you entering a control room where you can put CD and start uploading the software to each and every phone of this model.

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I don't think you're right...

Posted Sep 28, 2006 15:01 UTC (Thu) by sepreece (guest, #19270) [Link]

I do think that this is a real problem. THe current language ONLY affects cases where the installation of updated code is restricted by encryption. There are many other hardware or software ways to make it impossible, and the current language would not block any of them.

That's a low-priority item for me, because I feel the license shouldn't have even the current restrictions, but I would think it would be for the FSF and those who believe TiVoization of their code is a problem.