[londons_explore]

If Troy is giving access to information which is already free and publicly available on the web, it doesn't really matter who he gives access to.

He is free to choose whoever he likes, but if I were in his position, I'd give access to anyone and everyone. If the API starts costing too much money to run, I'd start charging money for it, and then allow anyone who can pay.

[isitmadeofglass]

Well obviously it does matter, and he is only “free to give anyone access” if you completely disregard any damage to his brand. He’s free kind of in the same way that Coca Cola is “free to change their recipe”.

I for one like the approach he has taken. And I would not at all like the approach you suggest, which feels like it boils down to “I have no quarrels supporting authorities war mongering regimes unless it costs extra, in which case I want money for my support.