[ISN] Re: [DMCA_discuss] Linux kernel security fixes censored by the DMCA

From: InfoSec News <isn_at_c4i.org>
Date: Wed 31 Oct 2001 - 04:36:53 CST
Forwarded from: Felix von Leitner <leitner@vim.org>
Cc: DMCA_discuss@lists.microshaft.org

Thus spake InfoSec News (isn@c4i.org):

> I was walking through the "why would linux security patches
> constitute a DMCA risk" logic and this was I came up with.

This is interesting.

> (c) dissemination of that "device... or component thereof" -- i.e.
> any demo code or documentation sufficient to reproduce that crack

> QED -- the next time Alan visits the US, the FBI could visit him
> if he does (c).

He already does.  The patches to Linux that fix the problem are enough
to document the problem.  That, in effect, makes fixing security bugs
in open source software illegal in the USA.  Think about it!

> This of course brings me back to my initial worry.... just how are
> we supposed to get our jobs done without legal liability and risk
> of felony charges.

Not at all.  DMCA has do die a quick and painful death.

Felix



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Received on Wed Oct 31 09:43 CST 2001
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