Studyledge

Data Security, Integrity and Ethics: Question 5

Syllabus 7.1

Multiple choice AS 1 mark

A university student has written a mobile app and wants to publish it so that:

  • anyone can download and use the app at no cost, and
  • anyone can view, modify and redistribute the app's source code, provided that any modified version they redistribute is released under the same licence.

Which type of software licence would BEST meet both of these requirements?

Choose an answer to check it, then compare with the worked solution below.
Show worked solution Hide worked solution

Worked solution

Why B is correct

The student needs a licence that satisfies two separate requirements: the app must be free to use, and its source code must be open to viewing, modification and redistribution (with a condition on how modified versions are shared).

An open-source licence is designed for exactly this: the source code is published rather than kept private, so anyone can read it, change it, and share their own modified versions. Often under a condition (a “share-alike” style clause) that any redistributed modified version must be released under the same open-source licence. Many open-source licences also allow the software itself to be used at no cost. This matches both of the student’s requirements, making B correct.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A (proprietary) fails the source-code requirement entirely. The source code stays private, and users have no legal right to view, modify or redistribute it, regardless of whether a fee is charged.
  • C (freeware) meets the “free to use” requirement but fails the source-code requirement: freeware is distributed as a compiled program only, with the source code kept closed, so it cannot legally be viewed, modified or redistributed.
  • D (shareware) fails both requirements as intended here: it is only free temporarily or in a limited form, a fee is eventually required for full use, and, like freeware and proprietary software, its source code is not published.

Final answer

B. An open-source licence is the only option that allows the source code itself to be viewed, modified and redistributed (subject to a same-licence condition), alongside free use of the app.