GNU Affero General Public License v3 (AGPLv3)
A modified version of GPLv3 that extends the source code sharing obligation to software used over a network (SaaS). It is the strictest copyleft.
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Risk Assessment by Project Type (Proprietary / Commercial)
1. SaaS / Cloud Application (operated by you)
DIRECT RISK: This license would require you to share the complete source code of your service with all its users.
2. Distributed Software (Dynamic Linking)
DIRECT RISK: Like a GPL, this license would require you to publish your source code upon distribution.
3. Distributed / Embedded Software (Static Linking)
DIRECT RISK: Like a GPL, this license would require you to publish your source code upon distribution.
4. 100% Internal Tool (Undistributed)
CURRENTLY SAFE. Would become incompatible if the project is ever exposed as SaaS or distributed.
Philosophy & Ideal Use
- Extend the principle of strong copyleft to software used over a network (SaaS), to avoid the 'ASP loophole' where code sharing is not triggered.
Your Main Obligations
- Publish your entire project under AGPLv3.
- Provide the complete source code to anyone who receives the binary.
- Also provide the complete source code to anyone interacting with the software over a network.
✓ Permissions
- Commercial use
- Modification
- Distribution
- Private use
- Patent grant
⚠ Conditions
- Share the source code if the software is used over a network
- The project must be under the same license
- Include copyright and license text
✕ Limitations
- No warranty
- Limitation of liability