GPLv3 runtime exception : libstdc++

GPLv3 runtime exception : libstdc++

[emile.fortes]

Hi ,

I have a question regarding "libstdc++" gplv3 exception
Nobody was able to answer me.

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GPLv3 says :

Protecting Your Right to Tinker  ( https://www.gnu.org/licenses/quick-guide-gplv3.en.html )

Tivoization is a dangerous attempt to curtail users' freedom: the right to modify your software will become meaningless if none of your computers let you do it. GPLv3 stops tivoization by requiring the distributor to provide you with whatever information or data is necessary to install modified software on the device. This may be as simple as a set of instructions, or it may include special data such as cryptographic keys or information about how to bypass an integrity check in the hardware. It will depend on how the hardware was designed—but no matter what information you need, you must be able to get it.

This requirement is limited in scope. Distributors are still allowed to use cryptographic keys for any purpose, and they'll only be required to disclose a key if you need it to modify GPLed software on the device they gave you. The GNU Project itself uses GnuPG to prove the integrity of all the software on its FTP site, and measures like that are beneficial to users. GPLv3 does not stop people from using cryptography; we wouldn't want it to. It only stops people from taking away the rights that the license provides you—whether through patent law, technology, or any other means.

the main point is : "...GPLv3 stops tivoization by requiring the distributor to provide you with whatever information or data is necessary to install modified software on the device...."



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FAQ libstdc++ exception says :

2.2.  ( https://gcc.gnu.org/onlinedocs/libstdc++/faq.html#faq.license.what )
 
So any program which uses libstdc++ falls under the GPL? 
  
No. The special exception permits use of the library in proprietary applications. 

This GCC Runtime Library Exception ("Exception") is an additional permission under section 7 of the GNU General Public License, version
 3 ("GPLv3"). It applies to a given file (the "Runtime Library") that bears a notice placed by the copyright holder of the file stating that
 the file is governed by GPLv3 along with this Exception.  When you use GCC to compile a program, GCC may combine portions of
 certain GCC header files and runtime libraries with the compiled program. The purpose of this Exception is to allow compilation of
 non-GPL (including proprietary) programs to use, in this way, the header files and runtime libraries covered by this Exception.

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So , my question is: 
Does the gplv3 exception allows us to use libstdc++ in proprietary software , WHITOUT having to "...provide  whatever information or data necessary to install modified software on the device..."

Could you clarify this point ?


Thanks for your help
Best regards
Emile

Re: GPLv3 runtime exception : libstdc++

[Florian Weimer]

* emile fortes:

> Does the gplv3 exception allows us to use libstdc++ in proprietary
> software , WHITOUT having to "...provide whatever information or
> data necessary to install modified software on the device..."

This depends on what your software does, and what kind of contractual
arrangements you have with the recipients of your software.  You need
to hire your own lawyer for advice.

Re: GPLv3 runtime exception : libstdc++

[Jonathan Wakely]

On Wed, 25 Mar 2020 at 10:57, Florian Weimer wrote:
>
> * emile fortes:
>
> > Does the gplv3 exception allows us to use libstdc++ in proprietary
> > software , WHITOUT having to "...provide whatever information or
> > data necessary to install modified software on the device..."
>
> This depends on what your software does, and what kind of contractual
> arrangements you have with the recipients of your software.

And what you mean by "use libstdc++ in proprietary software".

I don't see how the runtime exception is relevant to installing
modified GPLv3 software on a device though. If your software is
proprietary, then it's not covered by the GPLv3, so is not covered by
the anti-tivoization clause.

> You need
> to hire your own lawyer for advice.

And read https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gcc-exception-3.1-faq.en.html if
you haven't done so already.

The exception means you can use GCC to compile proprietary C++ code.
Software covered by the GPLv3 is still covered by the GPLv3.