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The GPL doesn't protect your right to run the modified code if the mere act of running modifying code is made illegal. The GPL means that you have a license to
by chimeracoder 11y ago
The GPL doesn't protect your right to run the modified code if the mere act of running modifying code is made illegal.
The GPL means that you have a license to do so from the person who owns the rights to the code, but that doesn't mean the government cannot prevent you from exercising that right.
IANAL, but I think it would be reasonably easy for them to get away with this on the grounds that they are "only" preventing activity that is already illegal. (Not to mention that many hardware manufacturers blatantly violate the GPL as it is already).
- wtallis 11y ago> The GPL doesn't protect your right to run the modified code if the mere act of running modifying code is made illegal. If you cannot comply with the terms of the GPL, you cannot distribute the GPL'd software at all. If the FCC prohibits you from distributing the tools and information necessary to build the source code as required by the GPL, then you have to stop using that software in your product. The FCC does not have the power to authorize copyright infringement like that.
- Spivak 11y agoYou are correct, but that exemption is in the GPL itself so there's no issue. It's possible to ship GPLv3 code with locked down hardware if local law requires it.