cross-posted from: https://lemmybefree.net/post/1201042

Let’s say I use some AGPL software like Mastodon or Gitea. If I write a script to interact with some elements, like a nodejs script that interacts with the messages posted to act as an antispam, is it considered derivative work?

If I use a custom theme, does it have to be AGPL? If I add an overlay over the interface or interact with Mastodon through JS, does it have to be AGPL?

For Gitea, if I make a script to scrap some visual elements and send it by email to some people, does it have to be AGPL?

For an email software like Mailcow, if I write an antispam script that communicates with Mailcow’s API, does it have to be AGPL?

  • Electricd@lemmybefree.netOP
    1·
    2 days ago

    In all cases, copyright generally only applies to distribution. If you do not distribute any code or software, you are most likely fine.

    With AGPL, if people use the derivative work over the web, you have to provide the source and document the modifications that were made

    • TehPers@beehaw.orgEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      That’s for deployed services that others are using.

      Either way, “generally” was the important word there. Every license is different, some licenses and parts of licenses are invalid in some jurisdictions, and the interpretation of the license by the judge, licensor, and licensee can affect a judgement on whether something is infringing or fair use.

      If you have questions about licensing for your specific situation and AGPL’s plain text doesn’t answer it for you (it’s not just legalese, it’s pretty readable), then talk to a lawyer who specializes in copyright for your jurisdiction.

      • Electricd@lemmybefree.netOP
        1·
        2 days ago

        That’s for deployed services that others are using.

        What I meant to say is that it’s a public mastodon, gitea, mailcow instance

        then talk to a lawyer who specializes in copyright for your jurisdiction

        It would be a nice answer, but I’m not going to if I’m not going to make money with the projects. I can’t justify this spending