this post was submitted on 04 Mar 2026
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Free Software
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What is free software?
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First, the open source world isn't monolithic, by definition. Second, why should "the world" in general care about the plans from some unhinged regional policymakers from a country that bet on isolationism?
Because they're afraid of getting fines issued against them from the state of California. $2,500 to $7,500. Depending on where your project is based, enforcement and collection of that fine might be difficult and unlikely ... but the chances of actually having to pay that fine probably aren't zero. And for a lot of open source projects even one instance of getting hit with a fine like that would far exceed their budget and force them to close down.
That's not how jurisdiction works, though. If you have a presence in California, sure that applies to you. Otherwise? California has no ability and no legitimacy under international laws to enforce this. Then there are bilateral treaties that muddy the waters, but that doesn't apply here on the basis that it's a state law and it can't apply retroactively. Also, IANAL and would love to hear from one.