TikTok has launched an application for Windows that allows users to do live streaming on the platform. Only problem: Live Studio infringes the Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) license …
Live Studio is the new Windows software put online by TikTok to make real-time broadcasts on the video sharing platform. This application is largely based on Open Broadcaster Software (OBS), a free program whose code is open source. So there is no problem to use it elsewhere, but you must respect the conditions of the license of use.
OBS wants to work with TikTok
In this case, OBS is offered under the GNU GPL version 2. This requires the developer who uses the code to publish the source code of his creation, which TikTok has been careful not to do until now. Ben Torell, director of development of OBS, confirms to have found evidence of violation of the license, he also indicates that OBS contacted TikTok to clarify things.
However, the situation is not as dire as it seems. On the one hand, Live Studio is in the testing phase with a few hundred TikTok users. Admittedly, this still represents a breach of the GPL license, but OBS says it is open to working with TikTok. On Twitter, Torell explains: “ We are committed to dealing with GPL violations in good faith, and in the case of TikTok, we would be happy to have a friendly working relationship with them, as long as they abide by the license. “.
OBS and the community around the program had previously had to confront Streamlabs, which had incorporated the word “OBS” into its name, again without permission. After a campaign on Twitter, Streamlabs had agreed to change its name by removing the three letters.
