uBlock Origin GPL code being stolen by team behind Honey browser extension

Alleged GPL and filter-list violations

• Pie Adblock, created by people previously behind Honey, is accused of:
  • Bundling uBlock Origin’s “quick filters” list (GPL) and uBO JavaScript code without license compliance or attribution.
  • Distributing GPL-covered code in a closed-source Chrome/Firefox extension, which would require releasing their own source under GPL if it’s a derivative work.
• Some note that whether filter lists/configs are copyrightable depends on jurisdiction (e.g., EU database rights); but copied JS code makes that debate largely moot.
• There’s discussion of possible workarounds (e.g., downloading lists at runtime) and counters that this may still not avoid GPL obligations.

Honey / Pie business practices and affiliate model

• Honey is widely described as:
  • Replacing existing affiliate links at checkout with its own, even when a creator referred the user.
  • Sometimes doing this even when no useful coupon is found, and using weaker, partner-provided coupons instead of the best available.
  • Crowdsourcing and redistributing “internal” or tester-only coupons, viewed by many as unethical.
• Some commenters argue this behavior is standard for coupon/affiliate extensions and driven by affiliate networks’ last-click rules; others say this is still fraudulent and anti-competitive.
• Several posts link to or reference lawsuits by creators alleging lost affiliate revenue, tortious interference, unjust enrichment, and possibly wire-fraud-style “cookie stuffing.”

Ethics, incentives, and regulation

• Many see Honey/Pie as emblematic of:
  • Adtech and affiliate ecosystems that externalize costs onto users, creators, and merchants.
  • A broader trend where deceptive actors outcompete ethical ones, absent strong regulation.
• Others emphasize user and platform responsibility: browsers/extension stores, regulators, influencers, and consumers all enabling this.

GPL, copyright, and “theft” debate

• Large subthread contrasts:
  • “Copyright infringement isn’t theft” in media-piracy debates vs. outrage at GPL violations.
  • Views that GPL uses copyright to protect a software commons vs. critiques of copyright itself.
• Multiple explanations of how GPL vs LGPL work, when code becomes a derivative work, and how enforcement/detection occurs.

User reactions and alternatives

• Many state they never trusted Honey/Pie or anything heavily influencer-promoted.
• Some admit Honey saved them money but now feel misled about how it worked.
• Several urge use of uBlock Origin, SponsorBlock, and avoiding coupon/affiliate extensions entirely.