Linux supports DRM technology to improve security

Article title: Linux supports DRM technology to improve security. Linux is a technology channel of the IT lab in China. Includes basic categories such as desktop applications, Linux system management, kernel research, embedded systems, and open source.

Recently, the Free Software Foundation is revising the general Public License. GPL is regarded as a constitutional guiding document for the free software movement and is also the core specification document for most open-source software projects. This new version of GPL focuses on prohibiting the use of DRM: digital right management for GPL software. A wide range of digital rights management technologies include technologies that encrypt media files, such as music and movies, and operate only on specific electronic devices and licensed software.

Linus Torbalds, founder of Linux software, believes that it is not always a good idea to prohibit the use of DRM technology in the new version of GPL. Because digital signature and encryption technologies are some DRM technologies that are advantageous to the open-source software industry and provide software security. Torvald, for example, indicates that an electronic key can be used as a digital signature in the software to ensure that the use of the software is authorized. Many software companies want to release Linux software with their own digital signatures. The current new version of GPL clearly states that Red Hat companies are required to publish their unique electronic keys to the public so that others can sign their modified versions, this is undoubtedly a very stupid move.

Last month, Torbald said it would continue to follow the current GPL version of Linux kernel. This means that he has rejected the revision suggestions of the Free Software Foundation. The anti-DRM revision proposal is put forward so that companies such as Tivo will no longer be able to use the authorized Linux, which restricts the freedom to use the software.

Torvald believes that it is not an internal task for software developers to guide hardware manufacturers. If some hardware manufacturers do not cooperate, software programmers can use the hardware of other companies. He wrote in an email: "As a software developer, I don't think we should force hardware manufacturers to follow our rules. we are not a crusader, forcing others to give in to our beliefs. We just try to show others that cooperation and openness can make our work better ."

Torvald said many people regard GPL as a fanatic belief, just like a cross-party. This may be because the free software fund has become more and more like a crusader. He said that the new version of GPL has deviated from the basic principles of GPL reciprocity. Torvald believes that the current GPL version is very suitable and fair, and the new version has completely changed the original rules.