From d2c59d90e9d6327d491f184a19cf47caf8e6e28f Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: "Bradley M. Kuhn" Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 08:53:35 -0400 Subject: [PATCH] Intro paragraph to new section explaining GPLv3's lock-down issue. --- gpl-lgpl.tex | 21 ++++++++++++++------- 1 file changed, 14 insertions(+), 7 deletions(-) diff --git a/gpl-lgpl.tex b/gpl-lgpl.tex index 0e9f417..126fd71 100644 --- a/gpl-lgpl.tex +++ b/gpl-lgpl.tex @@ -2574,14 +2574,21 @@ licensor in a chain of distribution. The GPL solves this problem in another way --- through its automatic licensing provision found in GPLv3\~S10 (which is discussed in more detail in \S\~ref{GPLv3s10} of this tutorial). -% FIXME: new section here, just to talk DRM before the other section. +\section{GPLv3's views on DRM and Device Lock-Down} -GPLv3 introduces provisions that respond to the growing practice of -distributing GPL-covered programs in devices that employ technical means -to restrict users from installing and running modified versions. This -practice thwarts the expectations of developers and users alike, because -the right to modify is one of the core freedoms the GPL is designed to -secure. +The issues of DRM, device lock-down and encryption key disclosure were the +most hotly debated during the GPLv3 process. FSF's views on this were sadly +frequently misunderstood and, comparing the provisions related to these +issues in the earliest drafts of GPLv3 to the final version of GPLv3 shows +the FSF's willingness to compromise on tactical issues to reach the larger +goal of software freedom. + +Specifically, GPLv3 introduced provisions that respond to the growing +practice of distributing GPL-covered programs in devices that employ +technical means to restrict users from installing and running modified +versions. This practice thwarts the expectations of developers and users +alike, because the right to modify is one of the core freedoms the GPL is +designed to secure. Technological measures to defeat users' rights --- often described by such Orwellian phrases as ``digital rights management,'' which actually means