3 ms·

Of course it is unfortunate. Apple had two choices; stop distributing it, or distribute it in a way which complies with the license. The FSF would prefer the la

by lambda 16y ago

Of course it is unfortunate. Apple had two choices; stop distributing it, or distribute it in a way which complies with the license. The FSF would prefer the latter; they are disappointed when people choose the former. Telling people to stop distributing it because it is infringing copyright to do so is the stick, and the software distributed under the proper license is the carrot, to try and promote software freedom. The FSF would much rather have people be able to run GNU Go under the terms of the GPL, than not be able to run it at all. Why do you think this is ridiculous?

alextgordon 16y ago
If the FSF want Apple to take notice, they need to give them a reason to take notice. Appealing to Apple's sense of morality is optimistic at best.
demallien 16y ago
I'm curious as to how you think that Apple could provide the source code to a 3rd-party application. Would you care to explain?
- tzs 16y ago
  The problem isn't lack of source. Most GPL programs that have appeared on the App Store have included a way to get the source satisfactory for GPL purposes. The problem is with the terms of use of the store. When an end user tries to use the store, the end user has to agree to certain terms, including that they will not reverse engineer anything they download, they will not copy it, and other terms of that kind. When a developer offers his program through the store, he provides a copy to Apple. When an end user purchases the program, Apple makes a copy and provides it to the user. Hence, from a copyright point of view, Apple is making and distributing copies of the program, and so Apple needs permission of the copyright owner. If the program is GPL, Apple has to obey GPL to get that permission. GPL prohibits imposing additional restrictions on the GPL code you distribute. Apple's end user terms of service are additional terms. Hence, it is not possible to distribute GPL code through the Apple store unless you grant Apple an exception allowing them to impose their additional terms. If it is the copyright owner who is making the app, that is not a problem. However, if they use anyone else's GPL code, and that third party coder has not granted Apple an exception, then the app cannot be distributed via the store.

by lambda 16y ago

alextgordon 16y ago

If the FSF want Apple to take notice, they need to give them a reason to take notice. Appealing to Apple's sense of morality is optimistic at best.

demallien 16y ago

I'm curious as to how you think that Apple could provide the source code to a 3rd-party application. Would you care to explain?

tzs 16y ago
The problem isn't lack of source. Most GPL programs that have appeared on the App Store have included a way to get the source satisfactory for GPL purposes. The problem is with the terms of use of the store. When an end user tries to use the store, the end user has to agree to certain terms, including that they will not reverse engineer anything they download, they will not copy it, and other terms of that kind. When a developer offers his program through the store, he provides a copy to Apple. When an end user purchases the program, Apple makes a copy and provides it to the user. Hence, from a copyright point of view, Apple is making and distributing copies of the program, and so Apple needs permission of the copyright owner. If the program is GPL, Apple has to obey GPL to get that permission. GPL prohibits imposing additional restrictions on the GPL code you distribute. Apple's end user terms of service are additional terms. Hence, it is not possible to distribute GPL code through the Apple store unless you grant Apple an exception allowing them to impose their additional terms. If it is the copyright owner who is making the app, that is not a problem. However, if they use anyone else's GPL code, and that third party coder has not granted Apple an exception, then the app cannot be distributed via the store.