Ubuntu Switches Timekeeping to `ntpd-rs` Amid Firestorm Over Canonical’s GNU Purity Stance
Ubuntu plans to adopt `ntpd-rs` for time synchronization, explicitly shifting away from established tools like `chrony`. This change is layered over a deeper, contentious debate about the fundamental licensing foundation of modern Linux dependencies.
The ideological fight centers on whether the ecosystem remains genuinely 'GNU'. 'ISO' fired back that core dependencies like Firefox, Mesa, and OpenSSL are not inherently GNU. Meanwhile, 'trevor' accuses Canonical of drifting toward proprietary interests via licensing choices. 'ISO' further claimed Ubuntu's shift from systemd to chrony proved nothing, noting prior moves exist. SteveTech noted the potential benefit of `ntpd-rs` simplifying PTP configuration.
The weight of commentary shows deep ideological fissures. While the technical switch to `ntpd-rs` is established, the underlying consensus is shattered by licensing arguments. The core conflict pits the pragmatic reality of modern, multi-licensed dependencies against the ideal of strict copyleft purity.
Key Points
Ubuntu abandoning `chrony` for `ntpd-rs` for time sync
kubikpixel reported the definite plan to move to `ntpd-rs`.
Modern Linux components are not strictly GNU
ISO asserted that major dependencies like Firefox and Mesa challenge the 'GNU' premise.
Canonical favors licenses that benefit profit over copyleft ideals
trevor warned that Canonical's practices suggest a move toward more restrictive, profit-driven licensing.
The 'GNU' purity of the ecosystem is questionable regardless of Ubuntu's choices
ISO suggested that the very model of 'stable' Linux distribution is fragile, citing past shifts like systemd to GPL-only chrony.
PTP complexity might be simplified by the new time sync tool
SteveTech pointed out that `ntpd-rs` could simplify difficult configurations involving LinuxPTP.
Source Discussions (3)
This report was synthesized from the following Lemmy discussions, ranked by community score.