chore(license): migrate from GPL-3.0 to AGPL-3.0 (#660)

Align Vocalinux with the other VocaHQ distribution projects
(VocaMac, VocaPhone, VocaServer) under AGPL-3.0.

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -331,6 +331,15 @@ We follow [Semantic Versioning](https://semver.org/):
 - 👀 Watch for updates
 - 🐦 Follow [@jatinkrmalik](https://twitter.com/jatinkrmalik) on Twitter
 
+## License
+
+Contributions are licensed under the [GNU Affero General Public License v3.0](LICENSE)
+(AGPL-3.0), matching the other [VocaHQ](https://github.com/VocaHQ) distribution
+projects ([VocaMac](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocamac),
+[VocaPhone](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocaphone),
+[VocaServer](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocaserver)). By opening a pull request, you
+agree that your contribution may be distributed under that license.
+
 ---
 
 Thank you for contributing to Vocalinux! ❤️

LICENSE

@@ -1,24 +1,21 @@
-                    GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
+                    GNU AFFERO GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE
-                       Version 3, 29 June 2007
+                       Version 3, 19 November 2007
 
  Copyright (C) 2007 Free Software Foundation, Inc. <https://fsf.org/>
- Copyright (C) 2026 Vocalinux Team | @jatinkrmalik
  Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies
  of this license document, but changing it is not allowed.
 
                             Preamble
 
-  The GNU General Public License is a free, copyleft license for
+  The GNU Affero General Public License is a free, copyleft license for
-software and other kinds of works.
+software and other kinds of works, specifically designed to ensure
+cooperation with the community in the case of network server software.
 
   The licenses for most software and other practical works are designed
 to take away your freedom to share and change the works.  By contrast,
-the GNU General Public License is intended to guarantee your freedom to
+our General Public Licenses are intended to guarantee your freedom to
 share and change all versions of a program--to make sure it remains free
-software for all its users.  We, the Free Software Foundation, use the
+software for all its users.
-GNU General Public License for most of our software; it applies also to
-any other work released this way by its authors.  You can apply it to
-your programs, too.
 
   When we speak of free software, we are referring to freedom, not
 price.  Our General Public Licenses are designed to make sure that you
@@ -27,44 +24,34 @@ them if you wish), that you receive source code or can get it if you
 want it, that you can change the software or use pieces of it in new
 free programs, and that you know you can do these things.
 
-  To protect your rights, we need to prevent others from denying you
+  Developers that use our General Public Licenses protect your rights
-these rights or asking you to surrender the rights.  Therefore, you have
+with two steps: (1) assert copyright on the software, and (2) offer
-certain responsibilities if you distribute copies of the software, or if
+you this License which gives you legal permission to copy, distribute
-you modify it: responsibilities to respect the freedom of others.
+and/or modify the software.
 
-  For example, if you distribute copies of such a program, whether
+  A secondary benefit of defending all users' freedom is that
-gratis or for a fee, you must pass on to the recipients the same
+improvements made in alternate versions of the program, if they
-freedoms that you received.  You must make sure that they, too, receive
+receive widespread use, become available for other developers to
-or can get the source code.  And you must show them these terms so they
+incorporate.  Many developers of free software are heartened and
-know their rights.
+encouraged by the resulting cooperation.  However, in the case of
+software used on network servers, this result may fail to come about.
+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.
 
-  Developers that use the GNU GPL protect your rights with two steps:
+  The GNU Affero General Public License is designed specifically to
-(1) assert copyright on the software, and (2) offer you this License
+ensure that, in such cases, the modified source code becomes available
-giving you legal permission to copy, distribute and/or modify it.
+to the community.  It requires the operator of a network server to
+provide the source code of the modified version running there to the
+users of that server.  Therefore, public use of a modified version, on
+a publicly accessible server, gives the public access to the source
+code of the modified version.
 
-  For the developers' and authors' protection, the GPL clearly explains
+  An older license, called the Affero General Public License and
-that there is no warranty for this free software.  For both users' and
+published by Affero, was designed to accomplish similar goals.  This is
-authors' sake, the GPL requires that modified versions be marked as
+a different license, not a version of the Affero GPL, but Affero has
-changed, so that their problems will not be attributed erroneously to
+released a new version of the Affero GPL which permits relicensing under
-authors of previous versions.
+this license.
-
-  Some devices are designed to deny users access to install or run
-modified versions of the software inside them, although the manufacturer
-can do so.  This is fundamentally incompatible with the aim of
-protecting users' freedom to change the software.  The systematic
-pattern of such abuse occurs in the area of products for individuals to
-use, which is precisely where it is most unacceptable.  Therefore, we
-have designed this version of the GPL to prohibit the practice for those
-products.  If such problems arise substantially in other domains, we
-stand ready to extend this provision to those domains in future versions
-of the GPL, as needed to protect the freedom of users.
-
-  Finally, every program is threatened constantly by software patents.
-States should not allow patents to restrict development and use of
-software on general-purpose computers, but in those that do, we wish to
-avoid the special danger that patents applied to a free program could
-make it effectively proprietary.  To prevent this, the GPL assures that
-patents cannot be used to render the program non-free.
 
   The precise terms and conditions for copying, distribution and
 modification follow.
@@ -73,7 +60,7 @@ modification follow.
 
   0. Definitions.
 
-  "This License" refers to version 3 of the GNU General Public License.
+  "This License" refers to version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License.
 
   "Copyright" also means copyright-like laws that apply to other kinds of
 works, such as semiconductor masks.
@@ -550,35 +537,45 @@ to collect a royalty for further conveying from those to whom you convey
 the Program, the only way you could satisfy both those terms and this
 License would be to refrain entirely from conveying the Program.
 
-  13. Use with the GNU Affero General Public License.
+  13. Remote Network Interaction; Use with the GNU General Public License.
+
+  Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, if you modify the
+Program, your modified version must prominently offer all users
+interacting with it remotely through a computer network (if your version
+supports such interaction) an opportunity to receive the Corresponding
+Source of your version by providing access to the Corresponding Source
+from a network server at no charge, through some standard or customary
+means of facilitating copying of software.  This Corresponding Source
+shall include the Corresponding Source for any work covered by version 3
+of the GNU General Public License that is incorporated pursuant to the
+following paragraph.
 
   Notwithstanding any other provision of this License, you have
 permission to link or combine any covered work with a work licensed
-under version 3 of the GNU Affero General Public License into a single
+under version 3 of the GNU General Public License into a single
 combined work, and to convey the resulting work.  The terms of this
 License will continue to apply to the part which is the covered work,
-but the special requirements of the GNU Affero General Public License,
+but the work with which it is combined will remain governed by version
-section 13, concerning interaction through a network will apply to the
+3 of the GNU General Public License.
-combination as such.
 
   14. Revised Versions of this License.
 
   The Free Software Foundation may publish revised and/or new versions of
-the GNU General Public License from time to time.  Such new versions will
+the GNU Affero General Public License from time to time.  Such new versions
-be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to
+will be similar in spirit to the present version, but may differ in detail to
 address new problems or concerns.
 
   Each version is given a distinguishing version number.  If the
-Program specifies that a certain numbered version of the GNU General
+Program specifies that a certain numbered version of the GNU Affero General
 Public License "or any later version" applies to it, you have the
 option of following the terms and conditions either of that numbered
 version or of any later version published by the Free Software
 Foundation.  If the Program does not specify a version number of the
-GNU General Public License, you may choose any version ever published
+GNU Affero General Public License, you may choose any version ever published
 by the Free Software Foundation.
 
   If the Program specifies that a proxy can decide which future
-versions of the GNU General Public License can be used, that proxy's
+versions of the GNU Affero General Public License can be used, that proxy's
 public statement of acceptance of a version permanently authorizes you
 to choose that version for the Program.
 
@@ -636,40 +633,29 @@ the "copyright" line and a pointer to where the full notice is found.
     Copyright (C) <year>  <name of author>
 
     This program is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
-    it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+    it under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License as published
-    the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+    by the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
     (at your option) any later version.
 
     This program is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
     but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
     MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
-    GNU General Public License for more details.
+    GNU Affero General Public License for more details.
 
-    You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+    You should have received a copy of the GNU Affero General Public License
     along with this program.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
 
 Also add information on how to contact you by electronic and paper mail.
 
-  If the program does terminal interaction, make it output a short
+  If your software can interact with users remotely through a computer
-notice like this when it starts in an interactive mode:
+network, you should also make sure that it provides a way for users to
-
+get its source.  For example, if your program is a web application, its
-    <program>  Copyright (C) <year>  <name of author>
+interface could display a "Source" link that leads users to an archive
-    This program comes with ABSOLUTELY NO WARRANTY; for details type `show w'.
+of the code.  There are many ways you could offer source, and different
-    This is free software, and you are welcome to redistribute it
+solutions will be better for different programs; see section 13 for the
-    under certain conditions; type `show c' for details.
+specific requirements.
-
-The hypothetical commands `show w' and `show c' should show the appropriate
-parts of the General Public License.  Of course, your program's commands
-might be different; for a GUI interface, you would use an "about box".
 
   You should also get your employer (if you work as a programmer) or school,
 if any, to sign a "copyright disclaimer" for the program, if necessary.
-For more information on this, and how to apply and follow the GNU GPL, see
+For more information on this, and how to apply and follow the GNU AGPL, see
 <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
-
-  The GNU General Public License does not permit incorporating your program
-into proprietary programs.  If your program is a subroutine library, you
-may consider it more useful to permit linking proprietary applications with
-the library.  If this is what you want to do, use the GNU Lesser General
-Public License instead of this License.  But first, please read
-<https://www.gnu.org/licenses/why-not-lgpl.html>.

README.md

@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
 [![Privacy: 100% offline](https://img.shields.io/badge/privacy-100%25%20offline-success)](https://github.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux#features)
 [![X11 & Wayland](https://img.shields.io/badge/display-X11%20%7C%20Wayland-lightgrey)](https://github.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux#features)
 [![PRs Welcome](https://img.shields.io/badge/PRs-welcome-brightgreen.svg)](CONTRIBUTING.md)
-[![License: GPL v3](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-GPLv3-blue.svg)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-3.0)
+[![License: AGPL-3.0](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-AGPL--3.0-blue.svg)](https://www.gnu.org/licenses/agpl-3.0)
 [![Python 3.9+](https://img.shields.io/badge/python-3.9+-blue.svg)](https://www.python.org/downloads/)
 
 <!-- Identity + quality (medium) -->
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 
 Linux has always punched above its weight, except when it comes to voice typing. Vocalinux fixes that.
 
-It's a free, GPLv3-licensed desktop app that lets you dictate text into *any* application, on X11 or Wayland, using fully offline speech recognition. Pick from three engines (whisper.cpp, OpenAI Whisper, or VOSK), get automatic GPU acceleration via Vulkan, and control it all with customizable keyboard shortcuts: toggle or push-to-talk.
+It's a free, AGPL-3.0-licensed desktop app that lets you dictate text into *any* application, on X11 or Wayland, using fully offline speech recognition. Pick from three engines (whisper.cpp, OpenAI Whisper, or VOSK), get automatic GPU acceleration via Vulkan, and control it all with customizable keyboard shortcuts: toggle or push-to-talk.
 
 No internet required. No data leaves your machine. Just speak and type.
 
@@ -489,7 +489,15 @@ If you find Vocalinux useful, please consider:
 
 ## 📜 License
 
-This project is licensed under the **GNU General Public License v3.0** - see the [LICENSE](LICENSE) file for details.
+This project is licensed under the **GNU Affero General Public License v3.0**
+([AGPL-3.0](LICENSE)), aligning with the other [VocaHQ](https://github.com/VocaHQ)
+distribution projects ([VocaMac](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocamac),
+[VocaPhone](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocaphone),
+[VocaServer](https://github.com/VocaHQ/vocaserver)).
+
+You may use, study, modify, and redistribute the software under AGPL-3.0. If you
+run a modified version as a network service, AGPL also requires that you make the
+corresponding source available.
 
 ## Star Chart
 

packaging/aur/vocalinux/PKGBUILD

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ pkgrel=1
 pkgdesc="Free, offline voice dictation for Linux"
 arch=('any')
 url="https://github.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux"
-license=('GPL-3.0-only')
+license=('AGPL-3.0-only')
 depends=(
   'python>=3.9'
   'python-gobject'

packaging/flatpak/com.vocalinux.Vocalinux.metainfo.xml

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
   </developer>
 
   <metadata_license>CC0-1.0</metadata_license>
-  <project_license>GPL-3.0-only</project_license>
+  <project_license>AGPL-3.0-only</project_license>
 
   <description>
     <p>

pyproject.toml

@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@ name = "vocalinux"
 dynamic = ["version"]
 description = "A seamless voice dictation system for Linux"
 readme = "README.md"
-license = {text = "GPL-3.0"}
+license = {text = "AGPL-3.0"}
 authors = [
     {name = "Jatin K Malik", email = "jatinkrmalik@gmail.com"}
 ]
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ classifiers = [
     "Development Status :: 5 - Production/Stable",
     "Environment :: X11 Applications :: GTK",
     "Intended Audience :: End Users/Desktop",
-    "License :: OSI Approved :: GNU General Public License v3 (GPLv3)",
+    "License :: OSI Approved :: GNU Affero General Public License v3",
     "Operating System :: POSIX :: Linux",
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3",
     "Programming Language :: Python :: 3.9",

src/vocalinux/text_injection/ibus_engine.py

@@ -87,14 +87,14 @@ COMPONENT_NAME = "org.freedesktop.IBus.Vocalinux"
 ENGINE_RANK = 50
 _ENGINE_META = {
     "language": "other",
-    "license": "GPL-3.0",
+    "license": "AGPL-3.0",
     "author": "Vocalinux",
     "icon": "audio-input-microphone",
     "layout": "default",
 }
 _COMPONENT_META = {
     "version": "1.0",
-    "license": "GPL-3.0",
+    "license": "AGPL-3.0",
     "author": "Vocalinux",
     "homepage": "https://github.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux",
     "textdomain": "vocalinux",

src/vocalinux/ui/settings_dialog.py

@@ -3162,8 +3162,8 @@ class SettingsDialog(Gtk.Dialog):
 
         license_row = PreferenceRow(
             title="License",
-            subtitle=f"GNU GPL v3 · {__copyright__}",
+            subtitle=f"GNU AGPL v3 · {__copyright__}",
-            keywords=("license", "gpl", "copyright"),
+            keywords=("license", "agpl", "gpl", "copyright"),
         )
         app_group.add_row(license_row)
         self.about_tab.pack_start(app_group, False, False, 0)

src/vocalinux/version.py

@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ __version__ = "0.15.0"
 __version_info__ = (0, 15, 0)
 __author__ = "Jatin K Malik"
 __email__ = "jatinkrmalik@gmail.com"
-__license__ = "GPL-3.0"
+__license__ = "AGPL-3.0"
 __copyright__ = "Copyright 2023-2026 Jatin K Malik"
 __url__ = "https://github.com/jatinkrmalik/vocalinux"
 __description__ = "Free, offline voice dictation for Linux - speak and type anywhere"

web/PRODUCT.md

@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ Offline-first Linux voice typing with real desktop integration (system tray, X11
 - Wayland: IBus when `ibus-wayland` is running, including on compositors previously treated as unbridged
 - Packaging: install.sh, AppImage (x86_64/aarch64), AUR, Flatpak (local/Flathub status as documented)
 - No usage telemetry in the installed app
-- GPL-3.0; marketing version string is tracked in site package/version surfaces
+- AGPL-3.0; marketing version string is tracked in site package/version surfaces
 - Website is Next.js marketing + SEO guides (static export); languages page documents per-engine support honestly
 
 ## Brand commitments

web/src/app/open-source/page.tsx

@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ const benefits = [
   {
     title: "Free Forever",
     description:
-      "GPL v3 licensed. Free to use, modify, and share. No freemium, no premium tier, no hidden costs.",
+      "AGPL-3.0 licensed. Free to use, modify, and share. No freemium, no premium tier, no hidden costs.",
     icon: Heart,
     iconColor: "text-primary",
     iconBg: "bg-primary/10",
@@ -87,12 +87,12 @@ const techStack = [
 export const metadata: Metadata = buildPageMetadata({
   title: "Open Source Voice Dictation for Linux | Vocalinux",
   description:
-    "100% free and open source voice dictation for Linux. GPL v3 licensed, no vendor lock-in, transparent code, community-driven development. Your voice data stays private.",
+    "100% free and open source voice dictation for Linux. AGPL-3.0 licensed, no vendor lock-in, transparent code, community-driven development. Your voice data stays private.",
   path: "/open-source",
   keywords: [
     "open source voice dictation",
     "free speech to text Linux",
-    "GPL voice recognition",
+    "AGPL voice recognition",
     "FOSS dictation software",
     "Linux voice typing free",
     "transparent voice recognition",
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ export default function OpenSourcePage() {
     "@type": "Article",
     headline: "Open Source Voice Dictation for Linux",
     description:
-      "Why Vocalinux is 100% open source. GPL v3 licensed, community-driven, no vendor lock-in voice dictation for Linux.",
+      "Why Vocalinux is 100% open source. AGPL-3.0 licensed, community-driven, no vendor lock-in voice dictation for Linux.",
     dateModified: "2026-02-22",
     author: {
       "@type": "Person",
@@ -141,8 +141,9 @@ export default function OpenSourcePage() {
           Free & Open Source Voice Dictation
         </h1>
         <p className="mb-8 max-w-4xl text-lg text-muted-foreground">
-          Vocalinux is 100% open source under the GPL v3 license. No subscriptions, no vendor
+          Vocalinux is 100% open source under the AGPL-3.0 license, aligned with the other
-          lock-in, no hidden costs. Your voice data never leaves your machine.
+          VocaHQ distribution projects. No subscriptions, no vendor lock-in, no hidden costs.
+          Your voice data never leaves your machine.
         </p>
       </section>
 
@@ -150,11 +151,11 @@ export default function OpenSourcePage() {
         <div className="mb-4 flex items-center gap-3">
           <Scale className="h-6 w-6 text-muted-foreground" />
           <h2 className="text-xl font-semibold text-foreground">
-            GPL v3 Licensed
+            AGPL-3.0 Licensed
           </h2>
         </div>
         <p className="mb-4 text-muted-foreground">
-          Vocalinux is released under the GNU General Public License v3.0, which means:
+          Vocalinux is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0, which means:
         </p>
         <ul className="grid gap-2 sm:grid-cols-2">
           {[
@@ -162,6 +163,7 @@ export default function OpenSourcePage() {
             "Free to study and modify",
             "Free to share with others",
             "Modifications must remain open",
+            "Network-deployed modifications must offer source",
           ].map((item) => (
             <li key={item} className="flex items-center gap-2 text-sm text-muted-foreground">
               <CheckCircle2 className="h-4 w-4" />

web/src/app/page.tsx

@@ -497,7 +497,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
                 ["Offline", "Local engines"],
                 ["Display", "X11 + Wayland"],
                 ["Default", "whisper.cpp"],
-                ["License", "GPL-3.0"],
+                ["License", "AGPL-3.0"],
               ].map(([k, v]) => (
                 <div key={k} className="min-w-0">
                   <dt className="font-mono text-[11px] uppercase tracking-wider text-muted-foreground">
@@ -1012,7 +1012,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
                   question: "Is Vocalinux free?",
                   answer: (
                     <>
-                      Yes. GPL-3.0, no premium tiers.{" "}
+                      Yes. AGPL-3.0, no premium tiers.{" "}
                       <Link href="/open-source/" className="font-medium text-primary hover:underline">
                         About the project
                       </Link>
@@ -1122,7 +1122,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
         <div className="mx-auto max-w-2xl text-center">
           <h2 className="section-heading">Install and try a real dictation session</h2>
           <p className="section-lede mx-auto">
-            Free under GPL-3.0. Local engines by default. Star the repo if it
+            Free under AGPL-3.0. Local engines by default. Star the repo if it
             helps your setup.
           </p>
           <div className="mt-8 flex flex-col justify-center gap-3 sm:flex-row">
@@ -1244,7 +1244,7 @@ export default function HomePage() {
           </div>
           <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-between gap-4 border-t border-zinc-800 pt-8 sm:flex-row">
             <p className="text-sm text-zinc-400">
-              © {new Date().getFullYear()} Vocalinux. Open-source under GPL-3.0.
+              © {new Date().getFullYear()} Vocalinux. Open-source under AGPL-3.0.
             </p>
             <p className="flex items-center gap-1 text-sm text-zinc-400">
               Made with <Heart className="h-4 w-4 text-primary" /> by{" "}

web/src/app/privacy/page.tsx

@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ export default function PrivacyPage() {
           </div>
           <h3 className="mb-2 text-xl font-semibold">Open Source</h3>
           <p className="text-sm text-muted-foreground">
-            Fully open source under GPL-3.0. Inspect the code yourself on GitHub. No hidden
+            Fully open source under AGPL-3.0. Inspect the code yourself on GitHub. No hidden
             telemetry or data collection.
           </p>
         </article>
@@ -223,7 +223,7 @@ export default function PrivacyPage() {
               </tr>
               <tr className="border-b border-border">
                 <td className="py-3 font-medium text-foreground">Source code available</td>
-                <td className="py-3 text-primary dark:text-[color:var(--terminal-fg)]">Yes (GPL-3.0)</td>
+                <td className="py-3 text-primary dark:text-[color:var(--terminal-fg)]">Yes (AGPL-3.0)</td>
                 <td className="py-3 text-primary">No</td>
               </tr>
               <tr className="border-b border-border">