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?
8 Comments
0xDREADBEEF@programming.dev · 3 pts · 357d
Using an API isn't distributing
Electricd@lemmybefree.net · 1 pts · 357d
If I create a script that interacts with the API it’s not considered a part of the software then?
squaresinger@lemmy.world · 1 pts · 357d
AGPL no, GPL maybe.
Unpopular opinion: According to the courts, GPL is nothing but a nice wish.
Electricd@lemmybefree.net · 1 pts · 357d
Why would it with GPL? AGPL is GPL with an added clause
squaresinger@lemmy.world · 2 pts · 357d
Sorry, you are right, read to quickly and confused AGPL with LGPL.
0xDREADBEEF@programming.dev · 1 pts · 356d
Writing javascript (or any programming language, but sticking with 'script' here) to consume an http api from an agpl service (such as lemmy or mastodon) does not force you to open source whatever client you have.
Consuming an agpl client library (maybe mastodon or lemmy provide an sdk I dunno, or some third party one) and you embed it in your app and interact with that agpl code, then yes you must open your code up.
For example, there are closed source Mastodon clients that make a lot of money. Look at the mastodon client from tapbots. The owners of mastodon have a winning case if they sued them, if your logic held up. Tapbots can safely create an entire application and consume the mastodon api without worry, why can't you and your script?
refalo@programming.dev · 2 pts · 356d
I think the only real answer is going to be "it depends on too many factors people here can only LARP about really understanding, so ask a lawyer", and even then it still depends on what every individual judge in someone's case thinks.
Electricd@lemmybefree.net · 1 pts · 357d
I hope this fits here