GRUB2 is GPLv3. You're looking to sign the boot loader process for Fedora (up through at least the grub2 stage as I understand it). This means you're signing something that is released under GPLv3.
Now, we have the ability to turn off the feature in BIOS. So the work-around exists. But without changing that BIOS setting, you are creating a condition whereby the code in grub (under GPLv3) cannot be changed, for if it is changed, it won't be usable. This violates the license.
This is an example of the exact reason GPLv3's TiVo-ization clause was added.
If you do this, you're going to have to provide some access to allow modified versions of grub to be installed by those who wish to do so because it's under GPLv3. If you don't, you cannot use grub or you'll be violating the license.
But more importantly:
Why are you doing this? It is the duty of free/libre open source software companies to stand up for user rights, not just on software but also on hardware. The Linus Torvalds camp believes in the "I don't care, so long as I have powerful and reliable software", but this only takes you so far. At some point you must realize that what you lose by capitulating to dictated terms by monopoly companies like Microsoft is in fact intolerable, and that you cannot continue down that path for one minute longer.
Microsoft has crossed the line here. There were initially demanding that all ARM-based devices be locked down 100% so the disable feature did not even exist. But they BACKED DOWN because of a huge public outcry. This means they are not so dominant after all. So why are you now giving in to their demands?
Fedora is currently the #3 distro. You have weight. You can stand up to Microsoft and win with everybody else who hates this insane policy behind you. But more importantly than that, it's the right thing to do.
I hope Fedora rethinks this decision. It's a bad move and it's going to lead down a very dark path.
no subject
Now, we have the ability to turn off the feature in BIOS. So the work-around exists. But without changing that BIOS setting, you are creating a condition whereby the code in grub (under GPLv3) cannot be changed, for if it is changed, it won't be usable. This violates the license.
This is an example of the exact reason GPLv3's TiVo-ization clause was added.
If you do this, you're going to have to provide some access to allow modified versions of grub to be installed by those who wish to do so because it's under GPLv3. If you don't, you cannot use grub or you'll be violating the license.
But more importantly:
Why are you doing this? It is the duty of free/libre open source software companies to stand up for user rights, not just on software but also on hardware. The Linus Torvalds camp believes in the "I don't care, so long as I have powerful and reliable software", but this only takes you so far. At some point you must realize that what you lose by capitulating to dictated terms by monopoly companies like Microsoft is in fact intolerable, and that you cannot continue down that path for one minute longer.
Microsoft has crossed the line here. There were initially demanding that all ARM-based devices be locked down 100% so the disable feature did not even exist. But they BACKED DOWN because of a huge public outcry. This means they are not so dominant after all. So why are you now giving in to their demands?
Fedora is currently the #3 distro. You have weight. You can stand up to Microsoft and win with everybody else who hates this insane policy behind you. But more importantly than that, it's the right thing to do.
I hope Fedora rethinks this decision. It's a bad move and it's going to lead down a very dark path.