Xiaomi Releases Kernel Sources for Redmi 3S/Prime/X

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Xiaomi, an OEM not exactly revered for their GPL compliance, has now released the kernel sources for the Redmi 3S, Prime and X on GitHub. The company has been known in the past for being lax when it comes to the timely release of source code under GPLv2, which is a common occurrence among various OEMs.

While releasing the kernel source is required to be compliant, many companies fail to do so for a significant amount of time after the launch of a device, as seen in this case where it has taken them half a year to meet the requirements. Some companies do not release the source at all, such as Micromax. In early 2015, Mario wrote about Xiaomi and their repeated infringement of the license after Xiaomi’s Vice President Hugo Barra stated that they had to withhold sources in order to keep future devices secret, and just a few months later they began the process by starting to launch their Kernel sources. Xiaomi isn’t alone in this, and even bigger, Westernized OEMs like Motorola found themselves under criticism for failing to comply with the GPL.

Pulser_G2 has previously written about releasing Kernel source and GPLv2 compliance on several occasions when OEMs have failed to provide kernel source and even wrote an article explaining XDA’s stance on the GPLv2 where he reminded developers that:

“The GPL is a legally enforceable license agreement, and while it offers users freedoms to copy and redistribute code, that permission is conditional upon all changes which are released being made publicly available. If you require further advice on this matter, we suggest you review the license itself or consult a lawyer.”

Additional Reading:

Xiaomi Finally Release Kernel sources

GPLv2 and Its Infringement by Xiaomi

OEMs and GPL Compliance

xda-developers and the GPL