The “discussion draft” of version 3 of the GNU General Public License (GPLv3) aims to protect free software users from DRM (digital rights management), software patents, software license proliferation, and other emergent threats, says author Richard M. Stallman in a detailed, philosophical interview at eWEEK.com.

Stallman characterizes DRM schemes as “evil,” and says that the best approach to fighting DRM is for consumers to reject it. Trying to build compatibility with DRM schemes into free software will prove futile, he says, due to the frequency with which codecs can be changed.

Stallman notes that the discussion draft of GPLv3 includes language aimed at preventing free software from being “twisted” into service by companies attempting to deprive people of freedoms provided by the copyright system. Those using free software to build DRM-encumbered systems would be obliged, under the proposed license, to share enough “signatures,” or keys, so that users of the software retain “full control,” he says.

Another primary aim of the discussion draft of GPLv3 is to increase compatibility with other free software licenses that have appeared since the license was last revised 15 years ago, the interview suggests. This was done by making the license more tolerant of trademark clauses and patent retaliation clauses, such as those found in the Apache license. However, Stallman states that permissible retaliation clauses are limited to those addressing clear wrongdoing, adding that he hopes other license drafters will “decide to make their patent retaliations compatible.”

The bottom line, Stallman says, is that any software license that permits a modified version to be released under the GPL is compatible with the GPL. “The whole point of the GPL was to ensure that other restrictions cannot be added,” Stallman said.

Other topics broached in the interview include Stallman's ultimate authority over the final edits to GPLv3, the industry-wide shift toward free software, and Microsoft place within the context of the free software movement.

Read the complete eWEEK.com interview here:

 
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