Forking Repositories when Blocked by the User/Organization

[Malix-Labs]

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It seems it is not possible to fork repository from users/organization that one has been blocked by

Is that intended?

If yes, why?
PR are already blocked and that is sufficient

Doesn't it violates the Free Software freedoms to copy (and change)?

[Malix-Labs]

Nice LLM reply

meant to reduce interaction

Which is not the case in that instance

It totally encompasses the blocked user liberty in that specific case (along with preventing Watching and Starring)

[AmanRai8]

Yes, it’s intended.....blocked users cannot fork repos to prevent abuse or unwanted association. This doesn’t violate free software freedoms because the code is still publicly accessible and can be copied or modified outside GitHub.

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[vanhuy2005]

Hi Alix Brunet! Here is the answer to your questions:
1. Is that intended?

• Yes, this is intended behavior by GitHub.
• Because when a user or organization blocks you, the platform restricts interactions—including forking—to prevent harassment or unwanted contact. And regarding your point that "PR are already blocked and that is sufficient". While blocking PRs stops unwanted code changes, it does not stop unwanted association. The Social Link - A GitHub Fork creates a visible link back to the original repository (appearing in the "Network" graph and providing a "Forked from" link). The Purpose of Blocking: When a user blocks someone, the intent is usually to sever all connections and visibility on the platform, not just to prevent code contributions. Allowing a fork would force the original owner to maintain a visible link with a user they wish to disassociate from.
  Therefore, disabling the "Fork" button is necessary to respect the blocking user's desire for total disassociation, even though you retain the legal right to clone the code manually.

2. Does it violate Free Software freedoms?

• No, it does not. The "Free Software" definition (the 4 freedoms you cited) applies to the license of the code (e.g., GPL, MIT), not the hosting service.
• The License: Gives you the legal right to use, modify, and redistribute the code.
• The Platform (GitHub): Is a service provider that sets rules for user interaction. Being blocked on the platform does not revoke your legal rights to the software itself.

Workaround: Since you still have the freedom to copy and change the software, you can manually clone the repository to your local machine (using git clone), and then push it to a new repository on your profile. The "Fork" button is just a platform convenience, but its absence doesn't remove your rights to the code.

Hope this clears things up!

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