[License-discuss] OSL and obfuscated code

[John Cowan]

You can release it under whatever license you please, but a program
released only with obfuscated source will never be an open source program,
because of the Open Source Definition clause 2:

2. Source Code
The program must include source code, and must allow distribution in source
code as well as compiled form. Where some form of a product is not
distributed with source code, there must be a well-publicized means of
obtaining the source code for no more than a reasonable reproduction cost,
preferably downloading via the Internet without charge. The source code
must be the preferred form in which a programmer would modify the program.
Deliberately obfuscated source code is not allowed. Intermediate forms such
as the output of a preprocessor or translator are not allowed.

Rationale: We require access to un-obfuscated source code because you can't
evolve programs without modifying them. Since our purpose is to make
evolution easy, we require that modification be made easy.

On Wed, Nov 21, 2018 at 10:54 AM Antoine Thomas <
antoine.thomas at prestashop.com> wrote:

> Dear Sir or Madam,
>
> I’m reaching out as Open-source Advocate for PrestaShop which is the
> designer and editor of an open source software solution, released under a
> free license (Open Software Licence OSL-3.0), allowing its users to create
> e-commerce websites in a quick and simplified way.
>
> A new regulation which aims to fight VAT fraud obligates merchants (and
> e-merchants) to use a software allowing to:
>  -  Make accounting data inviolable,
>  -  Secure the accounting data,
>  -  Keep and store the accounting data,
> In order to satisfy a potential inspection of the tax administration.
>
> In addition to these properties, the law requires that merchants use a
> certified software (FYI, in France, the certification is delivered by only
> 2 companies : LNE and INFOCERT).
>
> In order to offer an alternative to our users, PrestaShop has developed a
> module that can be installed to the merchant’s discretion.
>
> This module complies with the law requirements but in order to satisfy the
> INFOCERT’requests, the code source of the module has been obfuscated.
>
> Before releasing the module, we would like to know your stands on the
> matter.
>
> Indeed, as the PrestaShop solution is open-source, we are concerned about
> the compatibility of the OSL licence and the code-source obfuscation of the
> module.
>
> I thank you in advance and remain at your disposal if you have any
> additional questions or concerns.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Antoine THOMAS
>
>
> [image: PrestaShop]
> <https://www.prestashop.com/?utm_source=signature&utm_medium=e-mail&utm_campaign=emails-signatures>
>
> Antoine Thomas aka ttoine
>
> Developer Advocate
>
> t: +33 (0)6 63 13 79 06
>
> antoine.thomas at prestashop.com
>
>
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>
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>
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