Vitalik Buterin, known for his role in Ethereum, has revised his stance on software licensing to support copyleft licenses in Web3. He initially promoted free sharing of code, aiming for widespread adoption without barriers. Over time, he shifted from this view, recognizing the need for creators to receive equitable returns. Buterin illustrates the difference between permissive licenses and copyleft licenses as being akin to lending a car without questions versus insisting on blueprints if modifications are made. His transformation was influenced by personal beliefs against copyright and key changes in the software landscape.
Buterin's earlier philosophy made perfect sense for someone trying to build something world-changing. He wanted his code to spread like wildfire, and the easiest way to do that was to remove every possible barrier.
Permissive licences freely share with everyone, copyleft licences freely share only with those who are also willing to freely share, explains Buterin.
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