License¶

Kraken is dual-licensed under the AGPLv3 and a commercial license.

AGPLv3 (default)¶

The GNU Affero General Public License v3 is the default license. It's free for everyone — including commercial use — as long as you comply with its terms. The primary requirement: if you modify and deploy Kraken, you must share your source code.

Commercial license¶

A commercial license is available for those who want to keep modifications proprietary or avoid AGPL source-sharing obligations. Contact licensing {at} krakenchat [dot] app for details.

Frequently asked questions¶

Can I use Kraken for free? : Yes. Anyone may use Kraken under the AGPLv3, including for commercial purposes, as long as you comply with the AGPL terms (share your source code if you modify and deploy it).

I'm a student, educator, or non-profit. Do I need a commercial license? : No. Use under AGPLv3 is free for everyone, including academic and non-profit organizations.

I want to self-host Kraken for myself, my friends, or my community. Do I need a commercial license? : No. Personal, hobby, and self-hosted instances — including those you run for free for your own community — do not require a commercial license. Just follow the AGPLv3 terms.

I want to host Kraken as a free public service. Do I need a commercial license? : No. Hosting Kraken as a free, open, non-profit community service is allowed under the AGPLv3.

I want to modify or contribute to Kraken. Do I need a commercial license? : Contributions and modifications are welcome under the AGPLv3. As long as you release your modified source code per the AGPL terms, no commercial license is needed.

I want to run Kraken in my startup or SaaS offering. Do I need a commercial license? : Not necessarily. Businesses can use Kraken under the AGPLv3 — but AGPL requires that you make the complete source code of your deployment (including modifications) available to your users. If you don't want that obligation, you need a commercial license.

I want to offer Kraken as a paid hosted service. What are my obligations? : You have two options: (1) comply with the AGPLv3 by making your full service source code available, or (2) purchase a commercial license to keep your source proprietary.

I want to integrate Kraken into a closed-source or proprietary product. : The AGPLv3 does not allow this — you would need to open-source the combined work. If you want to keep your product closed-source, you must purchase a commercial license.

I'm still unsure. : Email licensing {at} krakenchat [dot] app for clarification.