Fixing Proprietary Label On Flathub For Modified MPL-2 License

Hey there! 👋 Have you ever run into a licensing hiccup while trying to get your open-source project noticed? I recently stumbled upon a situation where a project using a modified MPL 2 license was incorrectly labeled as proprietary on Flathub. Let's dive into the details and figure out how to get this sorted out. We will explore the steps needed to ensure your project is correctly identified as open source, even with a custom license.

The Problem: Misclassification of Open Source Licenses

So, the main issue is this: a developer, let's call him Tony, used an open-source variant of the MPL 2 license. This particular version included a clause about prohibiting AI learning. Now, here's the kicker – this modified license isn't officially recognized by SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange). Because of this, Flathub marked the project as proprietary. When you're trying to share your code and be transparent, this can be a real headache. After all, the whole point of open source is to be, well, open!

Let’s unpack this a bit more. Tony's project, "subscribi", is built on an open-source license but is being flagged as proprietary on Flathub. This mislabeling can deter potential users and contributors, as it suggests the code isn't publicly accessible or usable in the way open-source projects are intended. The core of the problem stems from the unique nature of Tony's license, which, while derived from MPL 2, includes a specific clause about AI that makes it non-standard. The lack of SPDX recognition means that automated systems, like those used by Flathub, can't easily identify and categorize the license correctly. Instead, these systems often default to classifying such projects as proprietary due to the absence of a recognized open-source identifier.

The Importance of Correct Licensing

Why is all of this important? Well, getting the licensing right is critical for a few key reasons. First and foremost, it impacts discoverability. When your project is incorrectly labeled, it won't show up in searches and lists that filter for open-source software. This means fewer people will find your project, use it, and contribute to it. Secondly, trust is a big factor. If users see a proprietary label, they might assume the code is closed-source or that there are restrictions on its use, which can deter them.

Furthermore, accurate licensing ensures that you, the developer, get the credit and recognition you deserve for your work. It also helps to clarify the legal terms under which others can use, modify, and distribute your software. Finally, it helps maintain the integrity of the open-source ecosystem, keeping things transparent and collaborative. Essentially, correct licensing is the foundation upon which your project’s success is built. Ensuring your license is accurately recognized is crucial for maximizing its reach and impact.

Understanding the Issue with Custom Licenses

When you create a license that's not standard (like Tony's modified MPL 2 with the AI clause), you run into a few hurdles. Firstly, automated systems like Flathub's can't always understand the nuances of your custom license. They rely on standardized identifiers to categorize projects. Secondly, even if the code itself is public, the licensing ambiguity can lead to misinterpretations. This can be confusing for potential users and contributors. They might think the code isn't truly open source.

Why SPDX Matters

SPDX (Software Package Data Exchange) is like the official registry for software licenses. It provides standard identifiers for different licenses, making it easier for machines to recognize and categorize them. If your license isn't in the SPDX list, it might get flagged as proprietary, even if it's based on an open-source license. So, while your intentions might be clear, the automated systems don't always get the message. Think of it like this: SPDX is the key that unlocks the door to correct license recognition. Without it, you might be locked out of the open-source party.

Impact on Project Visibility and Trust

Being mislabeled can seriously hurt your project's visibility and erode trust. Potential users might be hesitant to download or contribute to a project labeled as proprietary, especially if they are looking for open-source alternatives. This is because a proprietary label often implies restrictions on usage, modification, and distribution. So, it is important to take steps to clarify the licensing and ensure it is correctly identified.

Step-by-Step Guide to Correcting the License on Flathub

So, how do we fix this? Here's a practical guide to help you get your license correctly recognized on Flathub. This will ensure your hard work is properly credited and your project is accessible to the open-source community.

1. Verify Your License

First things first: Double-check your license. Ensure you've clearly stated the terms and conditions, including any modifications to the original MPL 2 license. Make sure your license text is easily accessible in your repository, usually in a file named LICENSE or LICENSE.md. Having a clear, well-defined license is the foundation of getting it correctly recognized.

2. Choose a Standard License (If Possible)

If your custom clause isn't absolutely essential, consider using a standard license like the original MPL 2 or another recognized open-source license. This will make things much easier for automated systems to understand. If you can use a standard license, it's often the simplest solution.

3. Document Your License in metadata.yaml

Flathub uses a file named metadata.yaml to gather information about your application. In this file, you need to specify your license. If you're using a standard license, you can simply use its SPDX identifier (e.g., MPL-2.0). If your license is custom, use LicenseRef-<your_license_name>. For example:

license: LicenseRef-MyCustomMPL2AI

Make sure your metadata.yaml is correctly formatted and located in the right place within your project. This is how you tell Flathub about your license.

4. Provide a Link to Your License

In the metadata.yaml file, it's also a good practice to provide a link to your license file. This helps users easily access and understand the terms. Add a url field to your license description:

license: LicenseRef-MyCustomMPL2AI
license-url: https://github.com/your-username/your-repo/blob/main/LICENSE

Make sure the URL is correct and points directly to your license file.

5. Contact Flathub Support

If, after following the above steps, your project is still mislabeled, don't hesitate to reach out to Flathub support. Provide them with details about your license, the link to your repository, and explain why you believe it should be classified as open source. The support team can manually review your case and correct the classification. Be patient and provide all the necessary information to help them understand your situation.

6. Consider Submitting Your License to SPDX

For a more permanent solution, consider submitting your license to SPDX. This involves providing the license text and a description of its terms to the SPDX community. If approved, your license will get an SPDX identifier, making it easier for automated systems to recognize it as open source. This is a more involved process, but it can prevent future issues with license recognition.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best intentions, things can go wrong. Here are some common problems and how to solve them. This will help you identify and address any problems you might encounter during the process.

My Code is Public, But It Still Says "Not Public"

This is usually a caching issue or a delay in Flathub's system. Make sure your repository is indeed public and that the Flathub build process has access to it. If the problem persists, contact Flathub support and provide them with the URL of your repository.

The License Field Isn't Recognized

Double-check the syntax in your metadata.yaml file. Ensure you're using the correct SPDX identifier or LicenseRef-<your_license_name>. Incorrect formatting is a frequent source of errors.

The Proprietary Label Remains

If the label doesn't update, clear your browser cache and check again. If the issue continues, it could be a caching problem on Flathub's side or a deeper issue with their automated license classification. Contacting support is the best course of action at this point.

Best Practices for License Management

Here are some tips to help you manage your licenses and prevent future problems. Following these steps can help make sure your project is correctly labeled and accessible.

Keep Licenses Accessible

Always include your license file in the root of your project repository. Make it easy to find and read. This helps clarify your project's usage terms.

Use Standard Licenses When Possible

Where feasible, choose standard licenses. This avoids complications with automated systems and simplifies things for users.

Document Your License Clearly

Provide clear and concise information about your license in your metadata.yaml file and repository documentation. Make it easy for others to understand the terms.

Regularly Review Your License

Keep your license up-to-date and consistent with your project's goals. Review it periodically to make sure it still reflects your intentions.

Conclusion: Ensuring Accurate Open-Source Licensing

Dealing with licensing issues can be tricky, but it's crucial for the success of your open-source project. By understanding the problem, following the steps outlined, and being proactive, you can ensure that your project is correctly labeled and accessible to the open-source community. Remember, clarity and transparency are key. With a bit of effort, you can overcome these hurdles and make your project shine.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your project is correctly recognized and benefits from the advantages of open-source licensing. Correct licensing is a cornerstone of a successful open-source project, so it's worth taking the time to get it right.

For more information and a deeper dive into open-source licensing, check out the Open Source Initiative.