AGPL-3.0 Compliance Guide

This document provides guidance on how to comply with the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 (AGPL-3.0) when using, modifying, or distributing the SOMA (Self-Organizing Memory Architecture) project.

Overview of AGPL-3.0

The AGPL-3.0 is a copyleft license that requires anyone who distributes the software or modified versions of it to make the source code available under the same license. The AGPL-3.0 extends this requirement to include users who interact with the software over a network.

Key Requirements

When using SOMA, you must comply with the following key requirements:

1. Source Code Distribution

If you distribute copies of SOMA, whether modified or unmodified, you must:

• Provide the complete corresponding source code
• Include a copy of the AGPL-3.0 license
• Preserve copyright notices and license statements in the code

2. Network Use Provision (Section 13)

If you modify SOMA and run it on a server that users can interact with over a network (e.g., as a web application), you must:

• Provide a way for users to download the source code of your modified version
• This is the key difference between the AGPL and the regular GPL

3. License Notices

You must keep intact all notices that refer to the AGPL-3.0 license and the absence of any warranty.

4. User Notices

You must make sure that users who interact with SOMA can access the license text and understand their rights.

Practical Compliance Steps

For Developers

1. Keep the License File: Always include the LICENSE file with any distribution.

2. Maintain Copyright Headers: All source files should include the copyright and license notice. Use the provided add_copyright_headers.py script to add headers to new files:

   ./add_copyright_headers.py --dir path/to/your/files
   

3. Document Changes: When modifying the code, document your changes clearly.

4. Network Applications: If you deploy a modified version of SOMA as a network service, add a feature to allow users to download the source code. For example:

   • Add a "Source Code" link in the user interface
   • Provide an API endpoint that serves the source code
   • Document how users can request and receive the source code

For Users

1. Understand Your Rights: As a user of SOMA, you have the right to:

   • Use the software for any purpose
   • Study how the software works and modify it
   • Redistribute the software
   • Distribute your modifications

2. Network Use: If you interact with a modified version of SOMA over a network, you have the right to receive its source code.

Common Compliance Scenarios

Scenario 1: Internal Use Only

If you're only using SOMA internally within your organization and not distributing it or making it available over a network to external users, you don't need to share your modifications.

Scenario 2: Distribution of Modified Version

If you distribute a modified version of SOMA:

1. Make your source code available under AGPL-3.0
2. Include the original license and copyright notices
3. Document your changes
4. Provide clear instructions on how to obtain the complete source code

Scenario 3: Network Service

If you run a modified version of SOMA on a server:

1. Provide a way for users to download the source code
2. Include a notice informing users of their right to the source code
3. Ensure the download includes the complete source code of your modified version

Additional Resources

• Full text of the AGPL-3.0 license
• GNU AGPL-3.0 FAQ
• Free Software Foundation

Contact

If you have questions about AGPL-3.0 compliance for this project, please contact Cadenzai, Inc.