Re: [PATCH] USB: mark USB drivers as being GPL only

From: David Newall
Date: Tue Feb 05 2008 - 06:18:22 EST


Bernd Petrovitsch writes:

On Mon, 2008-02-04 at 01:37 +1030, David Newall wrote:
[...]
disadvantage Linux with respect to many classes of devices, for example
GSM transceivers when used in those parts of the world^ where regulatory
requirements prohibit modification of power or frequency settings, which
effectively prohibits open-source driver.

Are you sure that that is not only (the results of) propaganda of
(certain) proprietary companies?

well, yes.


Usually the *user* (at home, wherever) sets "illegal" values. So it's
the users responsibility and the manufacturer, importer or sellers don't
care (if only that can't prevent other "illegal" actions like "beating
some to death with $WLAN_ROUTER").

Or, as is the case perhaps almost everywhere, governments prohibit devices that can operate outside of local requirements.


Or do you get a gun manufacturer before court just because someone
committed a crime with a its gun?

Let's not confuse the issue.
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