Why I used to prefer permissive licenses and now favor copyleft

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TLDR: :globe_with_meridians: Vitalik shifts from permissive to copyleft software licensing, driven by changing tech landscapes and economic considerations.

Key Points:

  • :unlocked: Permissive licenses allow unrestricted use
  • :locked: Copyleft licenses require derivative works to remain open
  • :globe_showing_europe_africa: Open source is now mainstream across industries
  • :light_bulb: Economic arguments favor more active technology diffusion
  • :handshake: Copyleft can incentivize broader technology sharing

In-depth summary:

Vitalik Buterin explores his evolving perspective on software licensing, transitioning from a preference for permissive licenses to favoring copyleft approaches. Historically, he appreciated permissive licenses for maximizing adoption and expressing skepticism towards traditional copyright. However, recent technological and economic shifts have reshaped his understanding.

The tech landscape has dramatically changed, with open source becoming mainstream. Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Huawei are increasingly embracing open-source principles. The crypto space, in particular, has become more competitive, making a purely voluntary approach to open-sourcing less effective. Copyleft licenses now offer a “hard power” mechanism to encourage code sharing.

Buterin’s philosophical shift is also influenced by economic theories, particularly those suggesting that in environments with superlinear returns to scale, strictly enforced property rights might not be optimal. He argues that actively pushing projects towards openness can prevent potential monopolistic tendencies and ensure broader technological diffusion.

ELI5:

Imagine you have a cool LEGO set. Permissive licensing means anyone can use your LEGO pieces however they want. Copyleft licensing means if someone uses your LEGO pieces to build something new, they have to show everyone else how they did it and let others use their design too!

Writer’s main point:

Copyleft licensing is becoming increasingly important as a neutral, non-coercive method of encouraging technological openness and preventing potential power imbalances in rapidly evolving technological ecosystems.

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