Comment by lotyrin
7 years ago
And only if their users receive a copy of the software in the process of using it. Source: Myself, who slings lots of technically-GPLed proprietary code in the form of network-accessible software like websites so never sees the light of day outside the customer's private repos.
Users must be able to readily obtain a copy of the source code. They don't have to receive it.
GPLv3 Section 6 d: "Convey the object code by offering access from a designated place (gratis or for a charge), and offer equivalent access to the Corresponding Source in the same way through the same place at no further charge. You need not require recipients to copy the Corresponding Source along with the object code."
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl.html
No, I mean, if the "users" are on the other end of a socket and never receive any copy of the sofware (in any form) then they don't get the entitlement to the software in code form either. It's the problem AGPL was designed for.
Thanks for the clarification.
From section 0: To “convey” a work means any kind of propagation that enables other parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying.