Mickaël Leduque <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: > (I'm not related with debian, except being a debian user)
> I'm a bit worried by this file I found in x.org source : xc/README.crypto > > I'm sure this question has been answered hundreds of times and there's > nothing worrying here, but the contents of this file seems to make all > the files that are related to it non free. > > What did I miss? I'm not a developer either, but from the legal point of view you're right, I'd say. Their README.crypto as found in the google cache on http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:VhI_C_FqbYsJ:hanzubon.jp/mirrors/xorg/cvs/xc/README.crypto+x.org+xc/README.crypto&hl=de&client=firefox says: Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, hardware, software, technology or services provided under this license agreement may not be exported, reexported, transferred or downloaded to or within (or to a national resident of) countries under U.S. economic embargo including the following countries: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria. This list is subject to change. I.E. they are making US export restrictions part of their license -- at least in german law, it doesn't matter whether they called the file LICENSE or README, they made it clear that they want to make this binding. This seems to be a violation of Nr. 5 of the DFSG, saying: The license must not discriminate against any person or group of persons. Also, the x.org README.crypto limits redistribution: You may not export or re-export this software or any copy or adaptation in violation of any applicable laws or regulations. I'd say this conflicts Nr. 1 of the DFSG, saying: The license of a Debian component may not restrict any party from selling or giving away the software as a component of an aggregate software distribution containing programs from several different sources. The license may not require a royalty or other fee for such sale. So maybe somebody should talk to the x.org team. I think it's well possible that they simply wanted to make sure to comply with US law and overshot the mark. Ciao Michael
