GPLv3 does not have a source entitlement for users of the software. Its source entitlement is for people the work has been conveyed to. It defines "convey" thusly:
> To "convey" a work means any kind of propagation that enables other
parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through
a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying
and propagate is:
> To "propagate" a work means to do anything with it that, without
permission, would make you directly or secondarily liable for
infringement under applicable copyright law, except executing it on a
computer or modifying a private copy. Propagation includes copying,
distribution (with or without modification), making available to the
public, and in some countries other activities as well
Using software does not necessarily involve conveying the software to the user.
A good example is given in the GPL FAQ [1]:
> Does GPLv3 require that voters be able to modify the software running in a voting machine?
> No. Companies distributing devices that include software under GPLv3 are at most required to provide the source and Installation Information for the software to people who possess a copy of the object code. The voter who uses a voting machine (like any other kiosk) doesn't get possession of it, not even temporarily, so the voter also does not get possession of the binary software in it.
This is what makes AGPL so different from previous licenses. As far as I know it is the only free software license that has a source entitlement that triggers on mere use. The others trigger on distribution or possession of copies.
> To "convey" a work means any kind of propagation that enables other parties to make or receive copies. Mere interaction with a user through a computer network, with no transfer of a copy, is not conveying
and propagate is:
> To "propagate" a work means to do anything with it that, without permission, would make you directly or secondarily liable for infringement under applicable copyright law, except executing it on a computer or modifying a private copy. Propagation includes copying, distribution (with or without modification), making available to the public, and in some countries other activities as well
Using software does not necessarily involve conveying the software to the user.
A good example is given in the GPL FAQ [1]:
> Does GPLv3 require that voters be able to modify the software running in a voting machine?
> No. Companies distributing devices that include software under GPLv3 are at most required to provide the source and Installation Information for the software to people who possess a copy of the object code. The voter who uses a voting machine (like any other kiosk) doesn't get possession of it, not even temporarily, so the voter also does not get possession of the binary software in it.
This is what makes AGPL so different from previous licenses. As far as I know it is the only free software license that has a source entitlement that triggers on mere use. The others trigger on distribution or possession of copies.
[1] https://www.gnu.org/licenses/gpl-faq.en.html#v3VotingMachine