Member Avatar for mah300274

I am making a guide and was thinking of instead of using the full links to the programs that I just use adf.ly. Can I do this? They are not my programs or my website but I want to shorten the url, but is this legal? Because I would be making money on the links to the open source programs. Thanks!

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Short answer for : using a URL shortener that pays for clicks is not automatically illegal, but it comes with real obligations and risks. Open‑source licenses generally do not forbid charging for distribution, yet any redistribution or repackaging creates licensing duties (preserve license text, provide source when required). Also, linking to content is usually lawful unless the target is known to be infringing or violates the host’s terms. (gnu.org)

License and hosting practicalities: if the shortened link simply points to the project’s official download page, that is the safest route. If copies of the software are hosted or repackaged on a site you control, confirm the exact license terms (GPL, MIT, etc.), keep the original notices, and comply with any source‑availability requirements before monetizing those downloads. The GNU FAQ explains the distribution obligations for GPLed code. (gnu.org)

Transparency and consumer law: if there’s a material financial connection (money for clicks/refs), U.S. rules require clear, conspicuous disclosure — don’t bury it in a footer or rely on tiny text. Label paid links plainly (e.g., “ad” / “sponsored”) so readers know they’re being monetized. (ftc.gov)

User experience, security and SEO: as observed, interstitial/ad‑filled shorteners can harm trust and have been used in malvertising campaigns; they also risk being treated as sneaky redirects by search engines. For a more professional outcome consider branded/self‑hosted redirects (YOURLS) or direct links to the official project page, and test every link on multiple devices before publishing. (malwarebytes.com)

Quick checklist

  • Link to the official project download when possible.
  • Don’t rehost/repackage without complying with the license and including source/NOTICES.
  • Disclose that links are monetized.
  • Prefer branded/self‑hosted shorteners to control UX and reputation.
  • Monitor clicks, complaints and blocklists; remove links if the ad network serves unsafe ads.

(Notes: and raised the “how to shorten” angle; ’s suggestion to consider alternatives is worth following given the risks above.)

Recommended Answers

All 8 Replies

Member Avatar for Dani

I believe that it is.

Member Avatar for mah300274

You believe that it is...illegal or legal?

Member Avatar for booster1

well adf.ly is the website where you can short your url it's leagal and can post on any sites

Member Avatar for vasto

first of all what is adf.ly? It seem like a thing that i need. I will like to create an online classify of jobs and bursaries what can this adf.ly help me. I know various website of which i love to like on my website so that i can generate traffic please help me guyz.

Member Avatar for Claxton

In my opinion it is legal to use adf.ly to shorten links for your guide, however keep in mind that they make money from advertising to pay their affiliates - you - which means that every visitor that will click on your link shortened by adf.ly will see an advertising banner before he will be forwarded to your website.

Member Avatar for Claxton

For those who do not know what Adf.ly is:

It is a free URL shortening service which
offers a nice twist for users - they get
paid for every click.

You get paid around 4.00 $ for 1000 visitors,
so do not expect to get rich quickly unless
you send a really decent amount of visitors
(and if you do bring more, consider some other
ways of monetizing your visitors, because
you could be potentially making nice profits,;))

Member Avatar for secasitoy

There are other better ways to shorten the url.

Member Avatar for mah300274

What are the better ways? I hate to send people to a ton of bannered sites.

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