Francesco Poli wrote:
The restriction in the GPL is about the act of conveying copies of the work. The restriction in the AGPL is about *using* the modified work: there's a cost associated with *use*...
But surely the entire point in question is whether presenting the UI to someone across the network is conveying or not? GPLv3 says it isn't, AGPL says it is.
Perhaps it would be better (in respect of this particular question) if the AGPL extra clause said simply:
"Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, if a user interacts with the program remotely through a computer network, then that is considered an act of conveying." (i.e. change the definition of conveying in section 0.)
This is ultimately a use restriction (from the point of view ofwhoever runs the modified version of the Program)What does it prevent you using the Program for?If the source doesn't fit in the server the modified version runs on (think of small embedded systems, for instance), I have to set up a separate server to provide source to remote users.
But that doesn't prevent you *using* the modified version in your small embedded system. It might perhaps be inconvenient, but as Anthony Towns (I believe) said recently, not every obligation a license puts upon you is a "cost".
In order to *run* the modified version of the Program!
Or to convey it, depending on your point of view :-)
As I said above, the GPL restricts the act of conveying, the AGPL also restricts the use of modified versions of the Program.
Well, those who would use the Affero GPL would see the use you are referring to as a form of conveying.
Gerv