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Linux 6.6 To Better Protect Against The Illicit Behavior Of NVIDIA's Proprietary Driver

Luis Chamberlain sent out the modules changes today for the Linux 6.6 merge window. Most notable with the modules update is a change that better builds up the defenses against NVIDIA’s proprietary kernel driver from using GPL-only symbols. Or in other words, bits that only true open-source drivers should be utilizing and not proprietary kernel drivers like NVIDIA’s default Linux driver in respecting the original kernel code author’s intent.

Back in 2020 when the original defense was added, NVIDIA recommended avoiding the Linux 5.9 for the time being. They ended up having a supported driver several weeks later. It will be interesting to see this time how long Linux 6.6+ thwarts their kernel driver.

Rayspekt ,

Can someone ELI5 what this is about? Why does Nvidia wants to access parts if the Linux kernel and why are linux kernel maintainers against it? Wouldn't it be good if Nvidia uses more open-source stuff?

SSUPII ,

Open source software is given with specific licenses. The Linux kernel is made of many smaller open-source components that each can have their own license. Some of the licenses used disallow the partial or full usage of the licensed software or components in proprietary settings, or in general given usage for specific cases only (in this case, the Nvidia driver using components they are not licensed to use.).

merthyr1831 ,

Intentionally pushing changes that could brick a bunch of systems over legal complaints is imo reckless.

This should be a last resort move. Has the Linux foundation started chasing nVidia over this? because it sounds like this is coming out of nowhere.

m_f ,

Get pissed at NVIDIA. They’re the problem.

uis ,
@uis@lemmy.world avatar

But when NVIDIA or gamedevs do it, it is different.

bankimu ,

It’s sad to see the 100500th confrontation between the people who have never contributed to the kernel, yet they want to deprive others of using their existing GPU with Linux and instead force them to buy a new GPU. This screams of of being elitist and haughty but I just don’t care any longer. Too tired of hatred, aggression, animosity and verbal attacks. This has really propelled Linux, oh, wait, it’s only shown what kind of people represent Open Source.

argv_minus_one ,

Those “haughty” “elitists” wrote your operating system and gave it to you for free. Have some gratitude, and direct your complaints to the uncooperative scoundrels in charge of NVIDIA who created this whole problem.

mightyfoolish ,

It’s kind of like using DRM to combat piracy in regards to multimedia. The Linux kernel is under a certain license and the kernel developers feel NVidia is encroaching on their IP in a way that is against the copyright. They won’t give NVidia an exemption despite their obvious importance in the hardware industry.

It may seem aggressive but look at how Nintendo, Disney, etc. regard those who break their own plans/trademarks. If you don’t take your own IP seriously, the law won’t either.

Nibodhika ,

DRM is a good comparison, imagine there exists a DRM measure that doesn’t affect rightful owners in any way shape or form but prevents piracy, would you be against it?

Personally I would be 100% okay with that, the problem is that DRM usually causes issues to rightful users and doesn’t prevent piracy. This change on the Kernel seems to be that perfect DRM, it won’t affect any rightful driver but prevents companies from pirating the Linux Kernel.

LoafyLemon ,

Will someone please think of the mega corporation. 😢

Sentau ,

Dude are you Avis from the phoronix forums¿? This comment is the exact copy of his/her comment there.

acastcandream ,

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    sky ,

    Yeah, you’re just running an entirely proprietary GPU that only Apple makes proprietary drivers for. Don’t see how that’s a win in any way?

    argv_minus_one ,

    Apple’s GPU at least isn’t maliciously designed to be difficult to write open-source drivers for. It’s up to the community to figure out how it works and write a driver, but Apple isn’t actively trying to stop them like NVIDIA is.

    sky ,

    This is a fair point, and I’m not trying to defend NVIDIA’s behavior. I use an AMD GPU on Linux for a reason 😅

    The progress on Asahi Linux has me considering a M1 MacBook Air for real.

    argv_minus_one ,

    The progress on Asahi Linux is a demonstration of the difference I mentioned. People have been working on open-source NVIDIA drivers for ages and still can’t get the GPU out of first gear, whereas the M1 GPU driver is mostly functional after only a couple of years.

    henfredemars ,

    Apple reserves the sole and exclusive right to that privilege.

    acastcandream ,

    deleted_by_author

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    rihatsu ,

    It’s not that “Apple is bad” it’s that you’re commenting about how you’re glad that companies like Nvidia can’t fuck with you, while being seemingly oblivious to the fact that Apple absolutely can fuck with you because you’re running a proprietary OS using proprietary drivers on proprietary hardware. Apple has more power over you than Nvidia does over Linux users, yet you’re commenting here like Apple is a better choice.

    acastcandream ,

    deleted_by_author

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    rihatsu ,

    You specifically state that you’re glad that your CPU and GPU aren’t a vector for companies to fuck with you, but they are a vector for Apple to fuck with you. Apple just hasn’t done it (yet?)

    acastcandream ,

    deleted_by_author

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    dontcarebear ,

    Your argument is sound, people question your rationalization.

    Honestly, I’m not a graphical designer, so I can’t judge, and I suffer similarly by being forced to use Windows due to chimp-IT in my workplace,

    but in general - using these vendor lock-in products should be avoided.

    acastcandream ,

    deleted_by_author

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    dontcarebear ,

    Some Linux users here (myself amongst them) would claim that you can use AMD hardware with minimal fuss, and it will be stable. Especially if you go Debian, that will get you battle tested stability.

    The better questions are:

    Do you have all the tools you need on GNU Linux? If not, can you buy a version that is supported? If not, are the alternatives sufficient and if so, how much work is required to make the transition?

    If any of those get blocked, it makes sense. If not, might be worth making the switch.

    henfredemars ,

    When did I write that Apple is bad? That’s a weird response.

    true_blue , (edited )
    @true_blue@lemmy.comfysnug.space avatar

    I use Nvidia’s proprietary driver because the open-source Nouveau driver won’t work with my display. Will this update break the driver, or just make it slower?

    I’d love to stop using Nvidia, but I don’t have much choice about using their proprietary driver until I get my next video card, or Nouveau starts working for me.

    Chewy7324 ,

    It probably means it’ll take longer for Nvidia to release a driver for Linux 6.6 and might stop them from doing so. They’ll probably find a way to circumvent this and continue to violate the GPLv2 the kernel is licensed under.

    If your on a distro which gets a new kernel quickly it might be a good idea to pin Linux 6.5 so the system doesn’t update to a kernel which the driver doesn’t support. But whether that’s necessary woll probably be talked about more once 6.6 actually releases.

    PS: If your on a 2000 series or later GPU you might actually be able to use nouveau at some point, since there’s ongoing work on an open source Vulkan driver with actually useable performance. Thanks to Nvidia it definitely won’t work on Pascal and earlier.

    MDKAOD ,

    TAINT_PROPRIETARY_MODULE & GPL Condom has to be intentional double entendre right?

    TenTypekMatus ,
    @TenTypekMatus@lemmy.world avatar

    What cards are supported because GF 1660s is PITA without proprietary drivers.

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