Re: FSK vs. GPL

[Rob Kaper <cap@capsi.cx>]

On Wed, Sep 22, 1999 at 09:01:41PM +0200, Philipp Gühring wrote:
> Let´s assume, that the organisations in Germany will rate our new game
> called Defkon as non-suitable for people aged under 16. Does this violate
> the GPL? The GPL states that it has to be freely redistributable to
> everyone, including all children. And what´s about Open-Source? If the
> children aren´t allowed to play the game, are they allowed to read the
> sourcecode? compile it?

I would guess that the rating would only apply to the visual images
displayed when running the game, or perhaps the art itself if it can be
displayed using third party applications (e.g. a JPEg compared to
some obscure private bitmap format). Perhaps even the text data with obscene
words etc.

The program code itself would probably be harmless and thus it will be
allowed to be distributed and compiled. The art might be a problem, but I
think it's a good idea not to include that with the GPL anyway and use
another (more restrictive/protective) license for that.

Rob
-- 
Rob Kaper | mail: cap@capsi.com + cap@capsi.net + cap@capsi.cx
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