Re: GPLv3 comedy unfolding -- "Network Access and Other Limitations"

[Alexander Terekhov]

Network Access and Other Limitations

The definition of Installation Information states that the information 
provided “must suffice to ensure that the continued functioning of the 
modified object code is in no case prevented or interfered with solely 
because modification has been made.” We did not consider it necessary 
to define “continued functioning” further. However, we believed it 
would be appropriate to provide some additional guidance concerning 
the scope of GPLv3-compliant action or inaction that distributors of 
technically-restricted User Products can take with respect to a 
downstream recipient who replaces the conveyed object code with a 
modified version. We make clear that GPLv3 implies no obligation “to 
continue to provide support service, warranty, or updates” for such a 
work.

Most technically-restricted User Products are designed to communicate
across networks. It is important for both users and network providers 
to know when denial of network access to devices running modified 
versions becomes a GPL violation. We settled on a rule that permits 
denial of access in two cases: “when the modification itself materially 
and adversely affects the operation of the network,” and when the 
modification itself “violates the rules and protocols for communication 
across the network.” The second case is deliberately drawn in general 
terms. We intend it to serve as a foundation for development of 
reasonable enforcement policies that respect recipients’ right to 
modify while recognizing the legitimate interests of network providers.
------

regards,
alexander.

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