⚠️ Safety & Legal Notes

Legal Status

Private Use (Low Risk)

• Playing single-player or peer-to-peer Shared Worlds = Very low legal risk
• Hosting a small private server for friends = Still relatively low risk
• Keeping a server active for years without advertising = Generally safe

Public Hosting (Higher Risk)

• Publicly listing your server URL = Higher visibility, higher takedown risk
• Advertising it on Discord/forums = Increased likelihood of DMCA notice
• Operating an open public server for 6+ months = Higher chance of copyright claim

Microsoft's Known Actions

• ✅ Sent DMCA takedowns to public Eaglercraft servers
• ✅ Removed Eaglercraft from GitHub repos and launchers
• ❌ NOT known to target private/small-scale usage
• ❌ NOT known to pursue individual players

🔒 Online Safety

Before you download Eaglercraft:

• Only download from official sources:
  • GitHub official repos
  • Official Eaglercraft website
  • Trusted launcher distributions
• Avoid:
  • Random "unblocked games" websites
  • Sketchy download mirrors
  • Anything asking for passwords or personal info
• Check for malware:
  • Use VirusTotal if you're unsure about a download
  • Always verify file checksums (SHA-256) if provided

Voice Chat Warnings

Server Trust

• Public servers: Vary in safety and security
• Owner reputation: Check who is running the server
• No password protection: Eaglercraft servers typically don't require authentication
• Assumption: Anyone can join and grief (unless plugins prevent it)

🛡️ Codespaces Security

Your Codespace is Private By Default

• ✅ Only you can access your Codespace terminal
• ✅ Only you can restart or delete it
• ✅ GitHub encrypts data in transit (HTTPS/WSS)
• ⚠️ Port visibility is "Private" by default (change in PORTS tab if needed)

Making Your Server Public

If you set a port to "Public" in Codespaces:

• Anyone with the URL can access it
• The URL is not guessable (long random ID)
• You can change visibility back to "Private" anytime

Best Practices

• Keep your GitHub token/credentials private
• Don't share your Codespace terminal access with others
• Only make ports public if you intend for people to connect
• Never commit passwords or API keys to your repo

⚖️ Fair Use & Copyright Considerations

Eaglercraft Itself

• Created by ayunami2000 and contributors
• Based on MCP (Minecraft Client Protocol) reverse engineering
• Technically derivative of Minecraft (Microsoft property)
• Exists in legal gray area due to educational/preservation value

Server Hosting Implications

• Running it yourself = personal use (generally safer)
• Running it for others = potentially more legally risky
• Profiting from it = definitely illegal
• Hosting indefinitely = increased exposure

If You Receive a Takedown Notice

If Microsoft sends a DMCA notice to your GitHub account:

1. GitHub will inform you and remove the repo unless you counter-claim
2. You can file a counter-notice if you believe it was in error
3. Most users simply delete the repo and move on
4. Private usage is generally not pursued

✅ Features You Can Trust

Safe to Use:

• ✅ Singleplayer worlds (no network risk)
• ✅ Peer-to-peer Shared Worlds (direct connection, no server)
• ✅ Private servers for friends
• ✅ Standard Survival/Creative modes
• ✅ Plugins and mods (if from trusted sources)

Requires Caution:

• ⚠️ Public servers (higher visibility = higher risk)
• ⚠️ Voice chat (IP exposure)
• ⚠️ Resource packs from unknown sources
• ⚠️ Long-term operation (extended exposure)

📋 Quick Safety Checklist

• ☑️ Download from official Eaglercraft sources only
• ☑️ Use Codespaces for hosting (no home IP exposure)
• ☑️ Keep your server private or limit to friends
• ☑️ Be aware of Microsoft's copyright claims
• ☑️ If concerned about privacy, use a VPN
• ☑️ Don't share your Codespaces admin access
• ☑️ Stay updated on Eaglercraft news and legal developments