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Actually, the GPL itself does not contain that clause. The FSF encourages you to release software as "GPL 3 or later", but if you don't explicitly state that (b
by pavon 5y ago
Actually, the GPL itself does not contain that clause. The FSF encourages you to release software as "GPL 3 or later", but if you don't explicitly state that (by using their recommended license notice, or otherwise) then your work is only licensed under that exact version of the GPL.
One noteworthy case is that Linus did not release the kernel as "GPL 2 or later" and as such it is still GPL 2, and incompatible with GPL 3 licensed code.
Of course (almost?) all GNU and FSF projects, like GCC, include the "or later" clause.
- toyg 5y agoThis is a classic case of somewhat-unintended consequences. When the GPL was first published, authors assumed developers would actually read it, and provided the recommended notice as a customizable template. Instead, developers just blindly copypasted, because "who's got time to read, amirite?". And then somebody actually woke up to the "or later" clause when the tivoization debate happened, and started accusing this and that of nefarious intent.