I am creating a website which is free for anyone to use (with the option to pay for premium features). The website is made using a scriptt under the GNU GPL licence. I have modified the scriptt and added some of my own features. I understand that this modified scriptt is now GNU GPL. I am wondering if I am required to release my modified scriptt to the public? (as doing so will not be best practice for the company)
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.html says: The GPL permits anyone to make a modified version and use it without ever distributing it to others. What this company is doing is a special case of that. Therefore, the company does not have to release the modified sources.
It is essential for people to have the freedom to make modifications and use them privately, without ever publishing those modifications. However, putting the program on a server machine for the public to talk to is hardly “private” use, so it would be legitimate to require release of the source code in that special case. Developers who wish to address this might want to use the GNU Affero GPL for programs designed for network server use.
https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0.html says: The GNU General Public License permits making a modified version and letting the public access it on a server without ever releasing its source code to the public.
Just want to confirm. Also, is a developer allowed to change licensing terms after a software is released under GNU GPL?
Greatly appreciate the help. Thanks in advance!
