Hi,

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If Anil wants someone to hack into a linux box which is said to be proprietory, it seems that he is the wronged party since he did not recieve the source along with the binary as per the GPL.

I don't see where he stated that he recvd. a linux binary.

Receiving a box which works on embedded linux is equivalent to receiving a linux binary. This is what got Linksys into trouble. They were not giving the users of the router a way to obtain the source code, thereby infringing on the GPL.

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Linux can be as proprietory or as open as you want. It just depends on to whom you distribute the binaries.

Nah ah. proprietory isn't the right word when you modify other ppl's work. The changes are proprietory the original work isn't, unless of course you happen to be RIAA/MPAA or m'be SCO (the ho-ho operation) . Please correct me here.

I agree completely. My mistake. An unfortunate choice of words.

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Doesn't look like any GPL is being violated here though the ethics may be questionable.

Unless Anil comes out with any details of the whole thing, its going to remain questionable.

If you own the box, then hacking it cannot be illegal. If you don't own it, then it definitely is.

BTW, is there any idea what is the validity of the GPL in India. As far as I know, it is based on the US copyright law. I am not sure if that applies to us. Before you flame me, please keep in mind that this is an academic question and I am asking merely out of curiosity.

Regards, Rajesh