Why UMIDIGI’s GPLv2 Violation Highlights Open‑Source Compliance Challenges
The Chinese smartphone maker UMIDIGI sparked international controversy by refusing to release Android kernel source code under GPLv2, demanding developers collect it in person, a move that exposed broader compliance issues and ignited heated discussion across Reddit and Twitter.
Domestic smart device manufacturer UMIDIGI, based in Shenzhen, faced criticism for violating the GPLv2 license by telling developers they must pick up the source code in person.
Polish developer Patrycja requested the kernel source of the UMIDIGI F2 phone (Android 10), especially the "ft8719_dsi_fhdplus" display driver, citing the GPLv2 requirement that any modifications also be released.
In a reply, a UMIDIGI employee named Ben said Patrycja could collect the source at the company’s Shenzhen office, noting that staff only speak Chinese and providing the address.
Industry observers argued this tactic is a way to stall foreign developers by setting a high barrier—requiring a physical visit without language support—effectively discouraging compliance.
Tech blogger Naomi Wu (Mechanical Demon) offered to help, visited the office, and filmed the attempt, but staff claimed Ben had left the company and no one could provide the requested files.
The incident quickly spread on Reddit and Twitter, with comments emphasizing the importance of vendor compliance and questioning the longevity of UMIDIGI’s devices for custom ROM development.
Previous Chinese manufacturers, such as Onyx, have also faced backlash for ignoring GPLv2, prompting calls for further scrutiny.
Further video footage is expected soon, and the discussion continues online.
"Honestly, she tried to make them honest, which is good. The more compliant these vendors are, the better for everyone."
"Maybe UMIDIGI didn’t expect their phones to last long enough for developers to create custom ROMs."
Signed-in readers can open the original source through BestHub's protected redirect.
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Programmer DD
A tinkering programmer and author of "Spring Cloud Microservices in Action"
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