Bug#505878: ITP: libfunambol-cpp-client-api -- unclarified AGPL
libfunambol-cpp-client-api appears to be under a plain AGPLv3.
Clause 13 of the AGPLv3 requires hosting users to provide "access
to the Corresponding Source from a network server at no charge" to
every visitor to the web pages generated by this software. If used to
produce a public website, this is an infinite download liability and a
significant cost may result from running the software. Further, the
cost is disproportionate to the modification because the whole
software must be offered and not only the modifications.
So, I believe this does not meet DFSG 1, 4, 3 and/or 6 as it stands:
it requires a fee for use, restricts the source code from being
modified without allowing distribution of patch files, and/or
discriminates against use of modified versions for production of
public websites.
I think some copyright holders of software under AGPLv3 have stated
that linking to an upstream download site is sufficient provision of
access for the parts you did not modify, regardless of the
availability of that site, which would clear DFSG 4 and reduce the
1/3/6 concerns immensely. For example
http://lists.debian.org/debian-legal/2008/08/msg00056.html
There is nothing in the FSF FAQ about this yet either way.
http://www.fsf.org/licensing/licenses/gpl-faq.html
Would libfunambol-cpp-client-api's copyright holders agree to make a
similar statement?
Regards,
--
MJR/slef
My Opinion Only: see http://people.debian.org/~mjr/
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