Copyleftin

Copyleftin is a term used to describe a framework and practice that extends copyleft principles beyond software into broader digital content creation and collaborative platforms. It emphasizes the freedom to use, study, modify, and redistribute works, with the stipulation that derivative works are distributed under compatible copyleft terms. The concept aims to ensure that freedoms persist through networks of contributions and forks.

In practice, copyleftin overlaps with licenses and licensing schemes that require share-alike terms, such as traditional copyleft licenses for software and the share-alike variants used for other media. Proponents advocate licensing that requires attribution and that derivative or reorganized works remain under the same or compatible copyleft terms, preventing privatization of improvements.

Communities that identify with copyleftin emphasize transparent licensing choices, education about user rights, and governance that favors openness. They often develop tooling for license tagging and compliance checks, and advocate for platforms that support publishing under copyleftin-compatible licenses.

Critics argue that strong copyleft requirements can complicate business models, impede interoperability, or deter some users from adopting the licensed content. Supporters contend that copyleftin protects user freedoms, promotes collaboration, and prevents private monopolization of shared improvements.

See also Copyleft, Open source, Free Software Movement.