USA export restrictions and GPL - how can they co-exist?

[Paul Osunero]

After scanning through GPLv2, i think i found the clause that allows fedora
to be distributed:

"*8.* If the distribution and/or use of the Program is restricted in certain
countries either by patents or by copyrighted interfaces, the original
copyright holder who places the Program under this License may add an
explicit geographical distribution limitation excluding those countries, so
that distribution is permitted only in or among countries not thus excluded.
In such case, this License incorporates the limitation as if written in the
body of this License."

Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong about this.

On 8/10/07, Peter Lemenkov <lemenkov at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hello  All!
> I found recently this restriction:
>
> http://fedoraproject.org/wiki/Distribution/Download/ExportRegulations
>
> =============================
>
> By clicking on and downloading Fedora, you agree to comply with the
> following terms and conditions:
>
> Fedora software and technical information is subject to the U.S.
> Export Administration Regulations and other U.S. and foreign law, and
> may not be exported or re-exported to certain countries (currently
> Cuba, Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan and Syria) or to persons or
> entities prohibited from receiving U.S. exports (including those (a)
> on the Bureau of Industry and Security Denied Parties List or Entity
> List, (b) on the Office of Foreign Assets Control list of Specially
> Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, and (c) involved with
> missile technology or nuclear, chemical or biological weapons). You
> may not download Fedora software or technical information if you are
> located in one of these countries, or otherwise affected by these
> restrictions. You may not provide Fedora software or technical
> information to individuals or entities located in one of these
> countries or otherwise affected by these restrictions. You are also
> responsible for compliance with foreign law requirements applicable to
> the import and use of Fedora software and technical information.
>
> =============================
>
> Correct me if I wrong - this statement seriously violates GPL - I read
> it and find no mentions about Cuba and Iraq.
>
> This looks strange especially after history with dropped OpenMotif
> because its license prohibits its usage on some operating systems.
>
> --
> With best regards!
>
> --
> fedora-list mailing list
> fedora-list at redhat.com
> To unsubscribe: https://www.redhat.com/mailman/listinfo/fedora-list
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://listman.redhat.com/archives/fedora-list/attachments/20070810/acb25891/attachment-0001.htm>