i have a bit odd question but here it goes: Due to page styling issues with the copyright logo, i deleted the whole div that says: “Powered by WordPress (logo)”. Now due to my SEO plugin, the source doesn’t include the meta-generator tag. Now am i in violation of the WordPress License, or im ok (although i do look irresponsible)?
WordPress Copyright Dillema (i.e. Powered by)
There is no requirement to retain the “Powered by WordPress” note in the footer or the WordPress reference in the
<meta>tags in your header. There is nothing in the WordPress license (GPL) that requires these remain intact.To take things a bit further … the “Powered by WordPress” tag in the footer is added by your theme, not by WordPress itself. And the
<meta>tag in the header is pluggable specifically to make it easy to remove.You shouldn’t delete the meta-generator tag, its used to have the stats of number of WP sites running. Though you can remove the Powered by WordPress. Matt doesn’t like meta generator tag being removed. 🙂
Removing none of those is a violation until you remove the License that comes with WordPress or try to not give the credit to original WordPress developers in your modified WordPress if you are re-distributing it.
As @EAMann said there is nothing in license, but keeping the meta generator tag is the least you can do to thank efforts put in to WordPress Development.
UPDATE: A Ticket discussing meta generator tag on WordPress trac.
UPDATE 2: Just for the record that Matt reference I used in my answer is because I envy Matt and I really honor him for giving away such a great software for free (both in money and in freedom). So, what ever he says about WordPress means a lot to me, you can totally ignore that if you don’t feel like this. I am still looking for the link to the blog post in which Matt had an argument with a blogger regarding his advice on securing WordPress by removing meta generator tag, will share it here as soon as I find it.