Arch Linux to Use BSD Zero Clause License for Package Sources

ByMunyaradzi Mafaro

Arch Linux will use a license for package sources for the first time. The so-called 0BSD license, also known as the Zero-Clause BSD License, allows users to use material without attribution for their projects.

Arch Linux states in an announcement that it is “potentially problematic” that no official license was ever used for package sources, such as pkgbuild files. Utilizing a permit clarifies who owns the intellectual property and what can be done. Not delineating this properly can lead to potential risks.

Arch Linux, therefore, now adopts the 0BSD license. This license gives users many possibilities to work with the material. For example, users may copy, modify, distribute, and use licensed material for their own projects without attribution or other conditions. Arch Linux emphasizes that the use of the license does not limit what users can do with the package sources.

Before the license becomes permanent, Arch Linux asks for feedback from contributors to Arch Linux packages. They will receive an email with a list of all their contributions sometime in the next few days; Arch Linux says this will be over one week, starting on November 19th. Anyone who agrees with the change does not need to do anything. Anyone who disagrees with the change can reply to the email, and Arch Linux will work with the contributor to find a solution.

Munyaradzi Mafaro is a music enthusiast and he also likes to tackle topics of business, productivity, and the possibilities for growth in the digital world.