Re:Rug pulls, forks, and open-source feudalism
by sokoloff on Sunday September 07, 2025 @08:36AM
(#45157635)
I've never worked at Google, but I'd be shocked if they won't use GPL code.
AGPL, sure, as lots of companies won't touch AGPL code (so, if you don't want companies to use your code, license it under AGPL).
But GPL is so commonly used and pretty well understood how to use it productively and safely and still run a profitable company. Avoiding it entirely seems extremely wasteful, at a scale that even Google probably won't be able to choose to.
Any Googlers/x-Googlers care to summarize the open-source usage policy?
AGPL, sure, as lots of companies won't touch AGPL code (so, if you don't want companies to use your code, license it under AGPL).
But GPL is so commonly used and pretty well understood how to use it productively and safely and still run a profitable company. Avoiding it entirely seems extremely wasteful, at a scale that even Google probably won't be able to choose to.
Any Googlers/x-Googlers care to summarize the open-source usage policy?