Is there a way to know if a file was available public at certain time in the past in Github?

[aamarilla]

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I have a licensing issue with someone. I am using something they created that, as far as I remember, was openly available in a public GitHub repository without a special license. As far as I can see, that repository is no longer available (perhaps because they contacted GitHub to take it down also), so I have no way of proving that it was there. Is there a way to see if a file was available in a GitHub repository?

I even wondered if, as a malicious strategy, these people themselves create these repositories and leave the sources public for a while, only to then make these kinds of demands.

[Hay0666]

You cannot directly see if a file was publicly available at a specific time in the past through GitHub itself, especially if the repository has been deleted or made private. GitHub does not provide a built‑in historical record of repository visibility. However, there are some steps you can try:

1. Check the Wayback Machine (Internet Archive): This service sometimes captures snapshots of GitHub repositories, including code files and README pages. Search using the repository URL.

2. Look at forks or clones: If the repository was public, someone may have forked or cloned it. Forks remain available even if the original repository is taken down, unless the owner of the fork also removes it.

3. Local clones: If you or others cloned the repository locally when it was public, the .git history would serve as proof that the repository was available at that time.

4. Cached search results: Sometimes Google or other search engines cache files. Searching for the filename or specific code snippets in quotes might surface cached or mirrored versions.

5. Contact GitHub Support: In legal or licensing disputes, GitHub Support may be able to confirm repository history or provide logs, although this usually requires a formal process.

If you are concerned about malicious intent where someone temporarily makes code public and later restricts it to pursue claims, you should gather as much evidence as possible from archives, caches, or witnesses who accessed the code. In such cases, legal advice is highly recommended to understand your rights and options.

[jahanaj098]

Once it’s deleted, GitHub doesn’t provide past access. You can check the Wayback Machine, look for mirrors/clones, or research methods like those in this Truffle Security post

[PRIYAtechky]

If you are dealing with a licensing issue where a GitHub repository was once public but is now unavailable, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Check the Wayback Machine (Internet Archive): Sometimes GitHub repositories are archived, and you may be able to see past snapshots of the repository and its contents.

2. Use Google Cache / Search Engines: Searching the repo URL on Google (or other search engines) might show cached versions or references in forums and documentation.

3. Check Forks and Mirrors: If the repository was popular, it may have been forked by other users. Search for forks under GitHub or mirrors on GitLab/Bitbucket.

4. Check Local Copies: If you cloned or downloaded the project earlier, look inside the .git folder for commit history, which can serve as proof of its availability.

5. GitHub Support: You can reach out to GitHub support to confirm whether the repository was once public, although they may have limitations in sharing details.

6. Legal Considerations: Just because a repo was public does not necessarily mean it was licensed for free use. In the absence of an explicit license, copyright law generally applies, meaning the creator retains rights. This is important in case of disputes.

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