[Mageia-dev] Mageia repository sections, licenses, restrictions, firmware etc

Wed Oct 13 10:19:17 CEST 2010

On Tuesday, 12 October 2010 17:52:58 Tux99 wrote:
+> Quote: marc wrote on Tue, 12 October 2010 18:42
+> 
+> > Unfortunately, if this is done, I will no longer be able to install
+> > legally any Mageia due to our laws. I think it is best if these are not
+> > 
+> > installed but let users know where to get them, mostly through PLF.
+> 
+> How do you expect Mageia to verify each single package to make sure it
+> complies with the laws in ALL countries of the world?
+
+So, because we can't comply with all laws in all coutnries, we should violate 
+everyone we possibly can?
+
+> Mageia should make sure that the packages comply with French law, but
+> that's it.
+
+If Mageia wants mirrors in countries with strong IP protection laws (including 
+copyright, software patent) and anti-circumvention laws, then IMHO, there does 
+need to be a split, so mirror maintainers can decide which risks they can 
+accept.
+
+For example, in the DMCA case, I believe US mirrors hosting libdvdcss could be 
+vulnerable.
+
+> You can still install Mageia and then remove the packages that are
+> problematic in your country, I very much doubt your laws are that
+> draconian that you can't even do that.
+> Mageia could include an option during install to exclude the well-known
+> problematic packages from installation to make this easier for people that
+> live in countries with restrictive laws.
+> 
+> > When I install Mandriva Free for people, I will let them know where the
+> > 
+> > PLF repos are and the files needed and they install these themselves.
+> 
+> This is a major hassle for new/inexperienced users and IMHO should be
+> avoided.
+
+Maybe it can be improved *to some extent*, by asking the user if they want to 
+add additional repositories.
+
+> > If Mageia packages include unlicensed software and codecs, the Mageia
+> > brand may be held legally responsible for marketing software in
+> > countries where the laws do not permit this.
+> 
+> This is nonsense, Mageia can only be held responsible in France based on
+> French law (as long as Mageia isn't planning subsidiaries in outher
+> countries, which IMHO is unlikely and completely unnecessary for a
+> non-profit association).
+
+Anssi discussed various reasons packages aren't in Main or Contrib in 
+Mandriva, and you devolve this discussion to be purely about software patents. 
+However, the issues are:
+
+-non-free software for which we have no re-distribution license (e.g. Flash, 
+we may be able to request a license, but most likely it would not allow Mageia 
+to distribute a distribution license to 3rd parties - specifically mirrors).
+
+-free software which violates anti-circumvention or other copyright protection 
+laws (e.g. libdvdcss, libaacs, libbdplus etc.)
+
+-free software which infringes software patents
+
+Let's discuss the first two issues as well, as they can't be dismissed, and 
+put real risk to anyone distributing the software (magazines, mirrors, sites 
+selling DVDs)
+
+Regards,
+Buchan
+