Android vs. iPhone: The GPL Question

Jan 11, 2011, 22:02 (1 Talkback[s])
(Other stories by Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols)

[ Thanks to Steven J. Vaughan-Nichols for this link. ]

"Well, now we know. You can't sell software using the General Public License (GPL) on the Apple App Store& because it conflicts with its Terms of Service (ToS) . The popular VLC media player, was the first major GPLed software to be pulled from Apple's App Store, it won't be the last. But, what about Google's Android Market? I asked the experts and they tell me that, in general, GPL developers can offer their wares on Android.

"I asked Columbia Law School professor Eben Moglen and head of the Software Freedom Law Center (SFLC) about whether GPLv3 programs, as well software like VLC, which is under the GPLv2, would be restricted from Apple's App Store, and he replied, "Yes. The problem isn't in the license terms."

Complete Story

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• No GPL Apps for Apple's App Store(Jan 10, 2011)
• How to avoid modern day public GPL floggings, part deux(Jan 10, 2011)
• Apple, Linux welcomes you to 1998! (Jan 08, 2011)
• Most Android tablets fail at GPL compliance(Jan 04, 2011)
• VLC For Android May Arrive In Early 2011(Dec 28, 2010)