thelinuxlink.net

The developers behind the Debian Linux distribution are preparing for the upcoming release of Debian 5, which is codenamed Lenny. The decision to move forward with the release follows a contentious vote over whether to permit the inclusion of binary blobs in the new version of the distribution. Consensus coalesced around a controversial proposal to "assume blobs comply with the GPL unless proven otherwise."

The winning proposal suggests that getting Debian 5 out the door is more important than completing the crusade against binary-only firmware. It also states that binary firmware should only be included if it can be legally redistributed.

"We give priority to the timely release of Lenny over sorting every bit out; for this reason, we will treat removal of sourceless firmware as a best-effort process, and deliver firmware as part of Debian Lenny as long as we are legally allowed to do so, and the firmware is distributed upstream under a license that complies with the DFSG," the proposal states.

On the surface, the final decision seems a bit radical for a freedom-oriented distribution like Debian. The issue has, however, been around for a long time and was addressed with a similar outcome prior to at least two previous releases. The general view of the Debian community is that they are satisfied with allowing releases to go forward as long as consistent progress is being made in eradicating binary blobs and there are no clear regressions in this area between releases.