The Linux Kernel (cont'd)

• Linus Torvalds's early interpretation of copyright law is different from FSF's
  
  • Linus believed that most kernel modules are not derivative works of the kernel itself
  • Recent evidence shows that his interpretation is changing
    
• Linux developers have implemented a mechanism to prevent non-GPL modules from using certain interfaces.
  
  • MODULE_SYMBOL_GPL marks these functions
    
  • Note that mechanism doesn't determine law
    
  • This is only used for new interfaces
    
• This mechanism is not an excuse to link proprietary modules against other interfaces
  

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