Regarding Debian’s License Issues
Debian’s approach to software licensing is rooted in its commitment to free software principles, formalized in the Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG). These guidelines serve as the foundation for evaluating whether a license is acceptable for inclusion in Debian’s main archive (the core, freely distributable repository). Key aspects include:
- Core Free Licenses: Debian’s main archive primarily uses copyleft licenses like the GNU General Public License (GPL), Lesser GPL (LGPL), and BSD/MIT-style licenses (e.g., Expat/MIT). These licenses ensure that derivative works remain free and require source code disclosure when distributing binaries. For example, the GPL mandates that any modified version of a covered program must also be licensed under the GPL.
- Non-Free and Contrib Sections: Software that doesn’t meet DFSG criteria (e.g., proprietary licenses, missing source code) is excluded from main. Instead, it is placed in the non-free (e.g., NVIDIA drivers, SCILAB) or contrib (software that depends on non-free components) sections. These sections are not officially part of Debian but are available via mirrors for users who need them.
- License Enforcement and Interpretation: Debian has a dedicated debian-legal mailing list where contributors discuss license compliance. While the project generally avoids creating new licenses, it recommends using established ones (like GPL or BSD) to minimize ambiguity. For complex cases, the DFSG FAQ provides guidance, but final decisions rest with package maintainers and FTPmasters.
Regarding “Sedebian” License Issues
There is no widely recognized Linux distribution named “Sedebian.” It is possible that the term is a misspelling (e.g., of “Ubuntu,” a Debian-based distribution) or a fictional/minor project. If “Sedebian” refers to a Debian derivative:
- Inheritance of Debian’s License Policies: Most Debian-based distributions (like Ubuntu) adopt similar free software principles and DFSG compliance standards. They use the same core licenses (GPL, BSD) and maintain separate non-free sections for proprietary software.
- Potential Customization: Smaller or custom distributions might adjust their license policies (e.g., including additional non-free software), but without specific information about “Sedebian,” it’s impossible to detail its practices. Users should verify the legitimacy of such a distribution and review its documentation for accurate license information.
If “Sedebian” is a distinct project, users should exercise caution—unrecognized distributions may lack proper license oversight or community support, increasing the risk of non-compliance or security issues.