The popular read is that Rockstar is hostile to modding. The actual record is more nuanced - quietly tolerant of single-player modding for years, aggressive on online cheating, occasionally inconsistent.
What Rockstar has actually done
Allowed OpenIV to operate for years. Reversed the 2017 cease-and-desist. Acquired Cfx.re (FiveM) in 2023. Acted aggressively against online cheating tools but rarely against single-player modders.
Net read: tolerant single-player, intolerant online. That's a coherent position.
Why the reputation persists
The 2017 cease-and-desist was loud even though it was quickly reversed. Online modders being banned is louder than single-player modders being left alone. Reputational stickiness.