Z:gnu-www-ja-netscape-npl-old--bc517f-When we think about the issues/en

When we think about the issues of free software, we usually focus on the freedom to distribute and modify, because this is what software developers most often try to prevent. But the freedom NOT to distribute a copy, when you don't wish to, is also important. For example, the freedom to make a modification and not show it to anyone is part of what we call &ldquo;privacy.&rdquo; The freedom to distribute your modification to a few friends, but not show it to the general public (or not show it YET) is also essential. (Of course, if the program is free, your friends will be free to pass it on to others if they want to&mdash;but they will not be required to.)