[FSFE PR][FR] The Netherlands: Important points for the election
press at fsfe.org
press at fsfe.org
Wed Sep 6 08:41:27 UTC 2023
= The Netherlands: Important points for the election =
[ Version en ligne: https://fsfe.org/news/2023/news-20230906-01.fr.html ]
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is committed to empower users
to control technolgy to digital civil rights, transparency and control
over technology. It does this by promoting Free Software (also known as
Open Source Software). In addition, Free Software promotes innovation
and prevents vendor lock-in. Digital sovereignty is only possible with
Free Software.
Our society is becoming increasingly digital, so it is crucial that
public values are also safeguarded in the digital domain. The upcoming
elections and term of office are an opportunity to take important steps
on current themes such as *artificial intelligence (AI)* and *digital
commons*.
FSFE asks parties to work on the following action points:
- Strengthen the 'open, unless' policy that requires government to
choose Free Software by default This is crucial for transparency and
digital sovereignty, so embed this policy in legislation. Support
governments in selecting and developing Free Software with a central
expertise center. Identify government tasks where control and
explainability is necessary and ensure this by applying the principle
of ‘Public Money? Public Code!’ [1].
- Encourage wise reuse of software by investing in *digital commons* to
make sure others can benefit from the improvements. Support the
adaptation and development of these joint Free Software solutions with
knowledge and financial resources. Use the European knowledge network
and the space of European digitization funds for this.
- Improve the oversight and transparency of *algorithms* in government
use. The further filling of the national *algorithm register* is a
first step in this respect. In addition, increase transparency by
publishing the *training data* and *source code* of those algorithms
under a Free license, as we have argued before [2].
- Pupils and parents should not be forced to use proprietry software
that often even spies on them. Place additional requirements on IT
solutions for *knowledge and educational institutions* to help them
maintain sovereignty in a digital world. Support institutions in the
use of Free Software to prevent vendor-lock in and to promote
independent digital skills.
- Stop wasting energy and strategically important raw materials by
*extending the life of electronics*. Make sure that the end of support
does not mean the end of the service life. To this end, empower
consumers and businesses to *repair* hardware and replace software
with Free Software that they control themselves. This call has been
supported by the signatories of our open letter 'The universal right
to install any software on any device' [3].
The FSFE is happy to elaborate on these points.
1: https://fsfe.org/activities/publiccode/publiccode.fr.html
2: https://fsfe.org/news/2022/news-20220330-01.fr.html
3: https://fsfe.org/activities/upcyclingandroid/openletter.html%20
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
Free Software Foundation Europe is a charity that empowers users to
control technology. Software is deeply involved in all aspects of our
lives; and it is important that this technology empowers rather than
restricts us. Free Software gives everybody the rights to use,
understand, adapt and share software. These rights help support other
fundamental freedoms like freedom of speech, press and privacy.
The FSFE helps individuals and organisations understand how Free
Software contributes to freedom, transparency and self-determination. We
enhance users' rights by abolishing barriers to Free Software adoption,
encourage people to use and develop Free Software, and provide resources
to enable everyone to further promote Free Software in Europe.
https://fsfe.org
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