[FSFE PR][FR] CRA & PLD: Liability rules with large exemptions for Free Software are introduced

[press at fsfe.org]

 = CRA & PLD: Liability rules with large exemptions for Free Software are introduced =

[ Version en ligne: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240312-01.fr.html ]

With today's votes on CRA and PLD on the introduction of liability rules
for software, a broad exception for Free Software was made, so that
after long and intense debates individual developers and non for profit
work are safeguarded.

On Tuesday, March 12, the two votes in the plenary of the European
Parliament on the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the Product Liability
Directive (PLD) marked the provisional end of a long debate on the
introduction of liability rules for software - with a broad exemption
for Free Software.

Already at an early stage, the FSFE argued in a hearing in the EU
Parliament [1], for the inclusion of clear and precise exemptions for
Free Software development in the legislation and for liability to be
transferred to those who significantly financially benefit from it on
the market.

The co-legislators have largely complied with our demands and following
intensive debates, have significantly improved the Commission’s
proposal, by introducing an exemption for Free Software and including it
in the articles of the regulation. In the future, individual developers
and non-profit development of Free Software will be exempt from the CRA
and the PLD. Nevertheless, the wording in both the regulations are
different and a standardisation processes and guidelines are still being
drawn up. We will therefore closely monitor the implementation and
whether Software Freedom is protected accordingly. The efforts of Free
Software advocates have also helped to ensure that decision maker in EU
institutions now have a better understanding of Free Software and its
various stakeholders, which will be useful in future debates.

    "In the debate about liability rules for Free Software, it has
    become clear how important Free Software is for our economic and
    social development. On the other hand, it has also become clear what
    needs to be taken into account in the Regulation when it comes to
    software freedom. This has shown the immense importance of working
    together with the various stakeholders in Free Software development
    and distribution and as well as to understand and accommodate the
    different interests of these players," concludes Alexander Sander,
    FSFE`s Senior Policy Consultant.

 1: https://fsfe.org/news/2023/news-20230323-01.fr.html

  == 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