USA export restrictions and GPL - how can they co-exist?

[Les Mikesell]

John Wendel wrote:
> Les Mikesell wrote:
>> Steve Searle wrote:
>>>
>>>> Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong about this.
>>>
>>> I think you are wrong about this, however IANAL.
>>>
>>> Translating it into a plain english exsample, I get:
>>>
>>>     If the disto is restricted in Cuba, by patents or copyrighted
>>>     interfaces the original copyright holder can amend the License
>>>     to limit the distribution so that it is not permitted in Cuba.
>>>
>>> However in this case the limitation seems to be because the US is
>>> restricting it, not the "receiving" country.
>>
>> So does that mean you can't distribute under the GPL at all, since 
>> these additional restrictions can't be added?
>>
> 
> 
> What exactly does "distribution" mean? If I have a copy of Fedora on an 
> internet accessible box, and a citizen of Cuba downloads it, do I get 
> sent to Gitmo?

That part is someone else's problem.  The question is whether you are 
allowed to distribute to anyone at all, since only the GPL gives you the 
right to copy and the GPL can't be used if you add any other restrictions.

-- 
   Les Mikesell
     lesmikesell at gmail.com