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posted by martyb on Sunday August 06 2017, @12:02AM   Printer-friendly
from the test-for-GPL2 dept.

https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/08/03/linux_kernel_grsecurity_sues_bruce_perens_for_defamation/

In late June, noted open-source programmer Bruce Perens warned that using Grsecurity's Linux kernel security could invite legal trouble.

"As a customer, it's my opinion that you would be subject to both contributory infringement and breach of contract by employing this product in conjunction with the Linux kernel under the no-redistribution policy currently employed by Grsecurity," Perens wrote on his blog.

The following month, Perens was invited to court. Grsecurity sued the open-source doyen, his web host, and as-yet-unidentified defendants who may have helped him draft that post, for defamation and business interference.

Grsecurity offers Linux kernel security patches on a paid-for subscription basis. The software hardens kernel defenses through checks for common errors like memory overflows. Perens, meanwhile, is known for using the Debian Free Software Guidelines to draft the Open Source Definition, with the help of others.

Linus Torvalds, who oversees the Linux kernel, has called Grsecurity's patches "garbage".

... (read the rest at the register)


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  • (Score: 2) by kaszz on Tuesday August 08 2017, @07:31PM

    by kaszz (4211) on Tuesday August 08 2017, @07:31PM (#550728) Journal

    Once the news came that GR security sues anyone for defamation when they are just pointing out valid and concerning issues. Their reputation is wiped out. It will be interesting to see how the community will treat them from now on. The wording "business interference" may just get some real implementation.

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