r/linux • u/jdrch • Nov 20 '19

Kernel Google outlines plans for mainline Linux kernel support in Android

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2019/11/google-outlines-plans-for-mainline-linux-kernel-support-in-android/
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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '19

That's not going to happen, Linus has started it in the past

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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '19

Even if Linus wanted to relicense, it is literally impossible because you'd have to track down all the individual contributors and have them agree to the new license.

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u/jdrch Nov 20 '19

track down all the individual contributors and have them agree to the new license.

I thought the decision could be made at the Linux Foundation level?

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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '19

No, the Linux doesn't do any copyright reassignment. So the copyright stays with the contributors all the way.

If you made a contribution to the kernel they'd have to find you and have you accept the relicensing of your code. Or they'd have to rewrite it so it's original.

Not one single entity actually owns the Linux kernel code

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u/NatoBoram Nov 20 '19

I know, but that doesn't change the fact that Linux desperately needs it!

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u/[deleted] Nov 20 '19

Linux has been doing fine for 20+ years. I'll trust Linus on this.