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.

  • @Laser@feddit.de
    1•1 year ago

    And while they can use older kernels for now (because they’re still supported), they won’t be able to forever.

    It might even happen that the change gets back ported upstream; that would mean that every supported kernel has the changes in place, regardless of version.

    • Rikudou_SageAEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      It might, though I don’t really see it happening with this change.