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Kernel Modules that Lie About Their Licenses

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the why-can't-we-just-get-along dept.

jon787 writes "An email to LKML about the Linuxant's HSF Modem drivers lying to the kernel about their license has prompted some interesting replies. Lots of talk about how to effectively blacklist these kind of things; a patch is here. One of the more interesting is this one. Linus as always has his $0.02."

4 of 587 comments (clear)

  1. /0 is like a period, it ends the statement. by LostCluster · · Score: 5, Funny

    Since /0 is the string-termination character, would it be possible to convince a court to see the decloration the way the kernel does, and therefore hold them to the GPL since they're the ones who declared it?

  2. When it's acceptable to lie by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    If the Kernel asks you if you think its gained wait or if its ass looks big in those drivers.

  3. My God! by WwWonka · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...lying to the kernel about their license

    Insubordination at its worst! Lying to the kernel!

    Private Function, get Corporal Punishement on the phone and have them admonished immediatley!

  4. I know! by ignavusincognitus · · Score: 5, Funny
    Let's add cryptographic checks to the module loader. The vendors will need to have their modules signed if they want them to be loaded. Before signing, license terms will be verified. This way we can also guarantee that the modules do not affect stability.

    I'm sure this hans't been done before.