Ask HN: Should code be considered free speech?

1 pointskjkisielewicz3y ago2 comments

2 comments

This is like asking if Spanish should be considered free speech. Or watercoloring. Or interpretive dance.

Regardless of the medium, speech is protected ("free") depending on its contents and context.

IANAL.

Software code is a “work” of the author, and is protected in many different ways as to uniqueness and ownership. “Speech” may not necessarily be one of the most relevant protections, but it could depending on the functionality.

Here is a related article that addresses software code protection:

https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2017/12/designers-copyright...

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2 comments

Veuxdo3y ago

This is like asking if Spanish should be considered free speech. Or watercoloring. Or interpretive dance.

Regardless of the medium, speech is protected ("free") depending on its contents and context.

jschveibinz3y ago

IANAL.

Here is a related article that addresses software code protection:

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse