AGPLv3
The AGPLv3 license requires that any modified versions of the software also be released under the same license.
The Affero General Public License version 3 (AGPLv3) is a type of free software license. It's similar to other open source licenses but has a key difference: if you use AGPLv3 software over a network, you must also share the source code of your modified version with others.
For example, if a company modifies an AGPLv3 licensed AI model to offer a service, they must make the modified model's code available to anyone who uses that service. This ensures that the freedom to use, study, share, and modify the software extends to network users.
The AGPLv3 is a strong copyleft license designed to ensure that the freedoms granted by free software are preserved, even when the software is used in a network service. Its core provision, Section 5, requires that the source code of any derivative work, including modifications made to enable network interaction, must be made available under the terms of the AGPLv3 to users of that network service.
This contrasts with the GPLv3, which typically only requires source code sharing when software is distributed. The AGPLv3's intent is to prevent 'service as distribution' loopholes where software is modified and offered as a service without ever being 'distributed' in the traditional sense, thereby avoiding the obligation to share source code.
Google's open-sourcing of client SDK generation tools under the AGPLv3 license highlights a growing trend of frontier AI labs making more of their development infrastructure publicly available. This move allows external developers greater access and control over how they integrate with AI models, fostering a more collaborative ecosystem.
- Why client SDK generation belongs in the openGoogle · Google Developers Blog ·
- Google Gemini
- Google Gemini used the AGPLv3 license for its client SDK generation tools, emphasizing open access and developer control.
- GPLv3
- The GPLv3 requires source code sharing upon distribution, but not necessa
- MIT License
- The MIT license is a permissive license that allows broad use, modi
- Apache License 2.0
- Similar to MIT, the Apache License 2.0 is permissive but inc
The AGPLv3 was developed by the Free Software Foundation (FSF) as an extension of the GPLv3 to address the specific issue of software used over networks. It was first released in 2007. Source ↗
Explore the source code of a project licensed under AGPLv3, such as a component of a web application. Try modifying a small part of the code and then consider how you would make your changes available to users if you were offering it as a network service.
The Playbook: reusable how-tos, prompts, configs and tips pulled out of the news.
- PromptRole-play a student struggling with math for AI tutor simulationSimulate a student's math struggles and uncertainty for AI tutor evaluation. · 5 min
- TemplateReusable workflow templates for healthcare teamsTeams can create and share templates for common workflows like documentation or prior authorizations. · 15 min
- TemplateTemplate for building an AI tool tailored to your workA structured approach to defining and building a custom AI tool for specific business needs. · 15 min
- TemplateEvals CSV prompt list for agent skillsA CSV file template for listing prompts used in evaluating agent skills. · 20 min
- HeuristicDouble coding agent task completion with docs linksProviding coding agents with a documentation link significantly increases their task completion rate. · 2 min
Questions people ask
- What is the main difference between AGPLv3 and GPLv3?
- The AGPLv3 specifically requires that if you modify the software and offer it as a network service, you must make the source code of your modifications available to the users of that service. GPLv3 typically only requires source code sharing upon distribution.
- Does AGPLv3 apply to all software modifications?
- AGPLv3 applies to any modifications made to the software. If these modified versions are used to provide a service over a network, the source code of those modifications must be shared with users of the service.
First seen on Subvolts Sep 17, 2026. Updated Sep 23, 2026. Written by an AI model from the items above and reviewed against them weekly; report an error.