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by AtticHacker 3691 days ago
I'm not familiar with this but it looks like an interesting project. My problem however is that I mainly do not like that GPL'd software isn't allowed to be redistributed. I might not be properly informed on this issue (and please correct me if I'm wrong) but from what I've read that seems to be the case.
1 comments
simoncion 3691 days ago
> I might not be properly informed on this issue.

You're not. Here's an okay starting point into the discussion: https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Android/issues/282

Another thing to remember is that (IIRC) -for approximately forever- Red Hat Enterprise Linux has been a Linux distro that's composed almost entirely of Open Source software, but prohibits folks who receive the binaries from redistributing them.

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Natanael_L 3691 days ago
It's the branding that allows Red Hat to effectively restrict distribution of binaries, due to trademarks. Since the source is still available, GPL is fulfilled.
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simoncion 3691 days ago
+1

My memory of the mechanism was a little different but the trademark component is obviously a part. Something in the EULA like "If you distribute RHEL binaries without our consent, we'll cut off your access to security updates and patches ASAP.".

Regardless, people seem to forget (or perhaps never bothered to learn in the first place?) that the GPL doesn't care to speak to binary distribution, just source code (and -sometimes- build instructions) distribution.

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