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VIA Releases Source To Custom WASTE Client
daten writes "VIA has released the source code to their Padlock SL product, based on the Nullsoft WASTE code previously pulled by AOL. Padlock SL offers encrypted chat, instant messaging and file sharing over a private peer-to-peer network. Unlike WASTE, which is still under active development, the VIA client offers a graphical interface for both Windows and Linux users and simpler configuration."
They say it, but that doesn't make it true. An agent of the company posted the software under the GPL. AOL/Nullsoft's dispute is with Justin Frankel if they contend the release was unauthorized. But released it was, and it is under the GPL.
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If some Microsoft employee posts the Windows code under the GPL, that will not make the code GPL. If Frankel had no power to approve the release under the GPL, then it was unauthorized and the GPL does not apply.
I think your missing the point of WASTE.
WASTE is designed for secure communications (IM, chat and file transfer) between small groups of trusted users.
Bittorrent, Kazaa etc are designed for the mass distribution of files amongst people you don't know.
The only similarities are that neither use a central server, and they can be used to transfer files. But how many protocols can't transfer files?
Since Frankel had the power to release software under the GPL, and it was only after the software was released that his employers thought to limit his power to release the software, it is ok for us to continue to distribute the software.