| ▲ | someguyiguess 2 hours ago | |
I probably don't have all the info on the various laws across the US and EU that are being pushed, but I'm confused why Linux distros don't just update their licensing and add a notice on the installation screen that it is illegal to run their OS in places where these laws exist? Heck, Linus Torvalds should just add an amendment to the next release of the Linux Kernel that makes it illegal to use in any jurisdiction that requires age verification laws. This would obviously cause such a massive disruption (especially in California) that the age laws would have to be rolled back immediately. This seems like a no-brainer to me but I am admittedly ignorant on this situation. I'm sure there's a good reason why this isn't happening if anyone cares to explain. | ||
| ▲ | PeterisP an hour ago | parent | next [-] | |
That would be a violation of the copyright law or the GPL licence - you aren't permitted to take GPL code and redistribute it with some extra restrictions added on to it. If it's not (fully) your code, you aren't free to set the licence conditions; Linus can't do that without getting approval from 100% (not 99% or so) of authors who contributed code. What one can do is add an informative disclaimer saying "To the best of our knowledge, installing or running this thing in California is prohibited - we permit to do whatever you want with it, but how you'll comply with that law is your business". | ||
| ▲ | bregma an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-] | |
The Linux kernel is licensed GPLv2. The GPLv2 license forbids adding addition terms that further restrict the use of the software. A "Linux distro" is not the Linux kernel. It's possible for some distros to add such license terms to their distribution media, but others like Debian and Debian-based ones adhere to the GPL so no go. | ||
| ▲ | gzread an hour ago | parent | prev | next [-] | |
Because they want market share, and throwing a hissyfit over being asked to add an "I am over 18" checkbox is not good PR. If Debian starts refusing to work in California because it doesn't want to add a checkbox, it will simply be replaced by someone who adds that checkbox and doesn't throw the fit. | ||
| ▲ | mvdwoord an hour ago | parent | prev [-] | |
Would be funny indeed... And also curious why nobody does that. | ||