by on April 16, 2026 This article discusses a current-headlines situation regarding Affero General Public License, version 3, Section 3, paragraph 4 ( AGPLv3§7¶4 .). I begin however with an explanation of the problem that clause sought to solve and how the clause works. This may seem an estoric license issue, but in fact this issue regularly impacts users today — particularly with the advent of “badgeware” (software that allows redistribution but includes annoying advertising that cannot be removed). Hopefully, this explanation helps readers understand the importance of the issue and gain vigilance when reviewing potential “further restrictions” placed on their copylefted software. The Self-Contradictory License Problem under GPLv2 I began my work in copyleft licensing and policy in the late 1990s. In those days, there was a growing problem regarding usage of the GNU General Public License, version 2 ( GPLv2 ) that threatened the software freedom and rights of users.…