"But why not just implement the controls under open
source? How? Even if the government were to publish the code to do
so, with open-source software someone could always edit the
operating system source code so it does not call the controlling
routines. This will obviously be illegal under the provisions of
the new law.
So when you hear about open-source people objecting to the
proposed W3C rules or ranting about the SSSCA legislation, do not
assume they are merely leftist nutcases trying to subvert the
rights of copyright owners. They are not. They are, however,
fighting against proposals that may damage the structure of the
Internet by crippling or destroying open-source software use.
It is one thing to protect the rights of copyright owners, but
it is something else to make freedom illegal while doing so. There
must be a better way."