InterChat & the AGPL-3.0 License

Important: Understanding Your Obligations

InterChat is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0). This license grants you freedoms but also imposes obligations, especially if you modify or distribute the software, or provide it as a network service. Please read these terms carefully. Failure to comply constitutes copyright infringement and may lead to legal consequences.

Why AGPL-3.0?

We chose the AGPL-3.0 to ensure that all users, especially those using InterChat over a network, benefit from modifications and improvements made by the community. It promotes fairness and sharing in the open-source ecosystem.

Key License Requirements

InterChat is protected by the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0. Key requirements include:

Source Code Availability: If you modify InterChat and make it available to others (including providing it as a service over a network), you MUST make the complete corresponding source code of your modified version available under the AGPL-3.0.
Attribution: You MUST retain the original copyright notices and license text in any copy or derivative work.
Same License (Copyleft): Any derivative works based on InterChat MUST also be licensed under the AGPL-3.0.
Network Use is Distribution: Unlike some other licenses, the AGPL-3.0 considers interaction with the software over a computer network as distribution. This triggers the obligation to provide source code access to network users.

Potential Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the AGPL-3.0 license may result in:

Termination of Rights: Your license to use, modify, and distribute the software is automatically terminated.
Legal Action: Copyright holders can pursue legal action seeking damages, injunctions (forcing you to stop), and recovery of legal fees.
Reputational Damage: License violations may be publicly disclosed.

Compliance Regarding Rebranding and Modification

Modifying InterChat, such as rebranding it or building upon it, requires strict adherence to the AGPL-3.0 terms. This includes providing prominent attribution, licensing your changes under AGPL-3.0, and making the full source code available (especially if offered as a service). Attempts to circumvent these obligations are license violations and will be addressed.

InterChat actively monitors for license compliance. We value our work and the open-source model, and we will enforce the license terms.

How to Comply

To ensure you are complying with the AGPL-3.0 license:

Keep the original copyright notices and license file intact and accessible.
Include a copy of the AGPL-3.0 license with any distribution.
Clearly indicate any modifications you have made to the original code.
Make the complete source code of your version (including modifications) publicly available under the AGPL-3.0, especially if you run it as a network service. Ensure users know how to access it.
License your entire derivative work under AGPL-3.0.

Legitimate Use and Questions

We encourage the use and modification of InterChat in ways that respect the license. Compliance ensures the project and its community thrive.

If you have questions about the license or how to comply, please reach out via our support server.

Remember: Open source grants freedom, but it comes with responsibilities defined by the license. The AGPL-3.0 ensures those freedoms (like the ability to modify and improve) are preserved for all users.

License Compliance