Brian Ristuccia writes: > Also, as best I know, the only time RSA permits its tecnology to be used is > in not-for-profit programs compiled with the RSAREF library. Not all the > programs in non-free do this.
But the programs that use RSA without RSAREF are in non-us, and using the RSA algorithm without permission from RSADSI is not illegal under local laws outside of the US. Following the same logic, perhaps the Debian project could distribute software implementing _any_ patented algorithm from servers located in a jurisdiction known not to recognize algorithm patents, period. The existence of non-us suggests some willingness to try to work around some national laws (primarily with respect to crypto), and the same thing might be done with respect to patented algorithms. Richard Stallman once gave an interesting discussion of the distinction between free software _in general_ and free software _for a particular person_. It seems to me that the distinction has not yet been clarified enough for a world with many different jurisdictions recognizing vastly different legal rights. -- Seth David Schoen <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> | And do not say, I will study when I http://www.loyalty.org/~schoen/ | have leisure; for perhaps you will http://www.loyalty.org/ (CAF) | not have leisure. -- Pirke Avot 2:5