A licensing error is just one of the many problems facing ex-President Donald Trump's social media network. Software Freedom Conservancy (SFC), claims that The Trump Media and Technology Group, (TMTG), violated a licensing contract when it launched a TRUTH Social test version. Mastodon is a free, open-source platform that allows users to operate Twitter-like social media sites. The modified Mastodon version was used by the website. Mastodon is open to anyone who complies with AGPLv3, which governs its code.
AGPLv3 stipulates that all licensees must make available their source code to all users. Although a test version was available for TRUTH Social earlier today, it didn't do so. Software Freedom Conservancy, which enforces open-source software licenses, has now given TMTG 30 days to comply or face consequences.
In a blog post, SFC stated that the license is intended to treat everyone equally (even those we don't like or agree) but they must follow the same copyleft license rules as everyone else.
According to the company, TRUTH Socials source codes must be made immediately available to all users who accessed the site during the previous day. If TMTG fails in this, the company will lose permanent access to the software that it used to create its platform. The AGPLv3 cure provision is in effect, and there are no exceptions, even if you're a reality TV star, real estate mogul or former President. If TMTG fails to comply with this request, it may be sued. SFC stated that they will closely monitor this matter and demand that Trumps Group provide the source for all users of the site.
SFC also shared details about the defacement of TRUTH Social earlier in the day. According to SFC, there is no evidence that anyone illegally accessed the website. It says that the incident was caused by an incorrect configuration. The organization stated that people only used the site to register and use its features once they were discovered.
