The GPL, the App Store, and You
6 months ago
- #GPL
- #App Store
- #Open Source
- VLC was pulled from the App Store due to GPL license violations.
- The GPL ensures four freedoms: run, study, redistribute, and modify software.
- The App Store's restrictions conflict with the GPL's redistribution freedom.
- Dual-licensing is possible but difficult for projects with many contributors.
- GPL advocates resist changes to accommodate the App Store to prevent exploitation.
- Apple and the FSF's stances make GPL-App Store coexistence unlikely.
- VLC cannot easily relicense due to its contributor base.