= EU jeopardises its own goals in standardisation with FRAND licensing =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2016/news-20160428-02.en.html ]
On 19 April, the European Commission published a communication on "ICT
Standardisation Priorities for the Digital Single Market"[1]
(hereinafter 'the Communication'). The Digital Single Market (DSM)
strategy[2] intends to digitise industries with several legislative and
political initiatives, and the Communication is a part of it covering
standardisation. In general, the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE)
welcomes the Communication's plausible approach for integrating Free
Software and Open Standards[3] into standardisation but expresses its
concerns about the lack of understanding of necessary prerequisites to
pursue that direction.
== Acknowledging the importance of Free Software ==
The Communication starts with acknowledging the importance of Open
Standards for interoperability, innovation and access to media, cultural
and educational content, and promotes "community building, attracting
new sectors, promoting open standards and platforms where needed,
strengthening the link between research and standardisation". The latter
is closely linked to the "cloud", where the Communication states that
the "proprietary solutions, purely national approaches and standards
that limit interoperability can severely hamper the potential of the
Digital Single Market", and highlights that "common open standards will
help users access new innovative services".
As a result, the Commission concludes that by the end of 2016 it intends
to make more use of Free Software elements by better integrating Free
Software communities into standard setting processes in the standards
developing organisations.
In the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, the Communication acknowledges
the EU need for "an open platform approach that supports multiple
application domains ... to create competitive IoT ecosystems". In this
regard, the Commission states that "this requires open standards that
support the entire value chain, integrating multiple technologies ...
based on streamlined international cooperation that build on an IPR
["intellectual property rights"] framework enabling easy and fair access
to standard essential patents (SEPs)".
FSFE welcomes this direction taken in the Communication, as well as the
Commissioner Günther Oettinger's position, highlighted in his keynote at
the Net Futures 2016[4], that "easy reuse of standard and open
components accelerates digitisation of any business or any industry
sector." Furthermore, according to the Commissioner Oettinger, Free
Software standards "enable transparency and build trust."
== EC putting good efforts at risk ==
However, the attempts of the Commission to promote Open Standards and a
more balanced approach towards "intellectual property rights" policies
in standardisation may be seriously hampered by the Commission's stance
towards FRAND licensing. In particular, the Commission sets the goal to
"clarify core elements of an equitable, effective and enforceable
licensing methodology around FRAND principles" which is seen as striking
the right balance in standardisation and ensuring the "fair and non-
discriminatory" access to standards. Furthermore, it is a well-known
fact that FRAND licensing terms that in theory stand for "fair,
reasonable, and non-discriminatory" terms, in practice are incompatible
with most of Free Software[5].
In conclusion, whilst the Communication sets a positive direction
towards the promotion of Open Standards and the inclusion of Free
Software communities into the standardisation, this direction may be
seriously limited if the Commission fails to acknowledge the
incompatibility of FRAND licensing terms with Free Software licenses.
This in return can in practice make a proper Free Software
implementation of the standard impossible. As a result, the attempts of
the Commission to achieve truly "digital single market" based on
interoperability, openness and innovation will not be achieved as the
significant part of innovative potential found in Free Software will be
in practice excluded from standardisation.
In line with our recommendations on the DSM initiative[6] that got well
received by the Commission, FSFE believes that in order to achieve the
adequate integration of Free Software communities, and the overall
plausible approach towards appropriate use of Open Standards the
Commission needs to avoid the harmful consequences of FRAND licensing to
Free Software, and instead pursue the promotion of standards that are
open, minimalistic and implementable with Free Software. These standards
will give the substance to the Commission's promises to encourage Free
Software communities to participate in standardisation.
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
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Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/communication-ict-standa…
2. https://fsfe.org/activities/policy/eu/digital-single-market-comments.en.html
3. https://fsfe.org/activities/os/index.en.html
4. https://ec.europa.eu/commission/2014-2019/oettinger/announcements/keynote-s…
5. https://fsfe.org/activities/os/why-frand-is-bad-for-free-software.en.html
6. https://fsfe.org/activities/policy/eu/digital-single-market-comments.en.html
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= Joint Statement on the Radio Lockdown Directive =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2016/news-20160411-01.en.html ]
23 organisations including the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE)
joined up in proposing measures[1] to EU institutions and EU member
states to avoid negative implications on users' rights and Free Software
imposed by the EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU.
The ‘ Radio Lockdown Directive[2] ’ that will be applicable in the EU
since 13 June 2016 threatens software freedom, users' rights, fair
competition, innovation, environment, and volunteering – without
comparable benefits for security. It introduces disproportionate
‘essential requirement’ in the form of forcing device manufacturers to
prove radio regulatory compliance for every possible software able to
run on every product using the radio frequency spectrum. In practice,
this means that in the future only particular software authorised by the
manufacturers can be installed on any device connecting through wireless
and mobile networks or GPS: e.g. routers, mobile phones, WiFi cards and
the laptops they are built in, or almost all devices including network
functionality.
This requirement will lock users to hardware manufacturers, and will
also disadvantage businesses based on Free Software or any other
alternative software not installed by default by the manufacturer of the
device. Thereby it will have negative implications on fair competition
and freedom to conduct business. The requirement to assess every
possible hardware and software combination to be compliant with the RED
– which is envisaged to enhance security of radio devices – disables
users and businesses to choose software whose security problems can be
fixed by everybody without having to relay on the vendor.
The FSFE and the other signatories, therefore, ask the EU institutions
and the EU member states to safeguard rights of users and businesses to
use and install Free Software and any other alternative third-party
software on their devices; to avoid the lockdown of the devices to the
software provided by the hardware manufacturer; and refrain from
shifting the responsibility for the software's regulatory compliance
from the users to the manufacturers when making changes to the default
configuration. Software and hardware should not be treated differently
in that respect. The EU Commission has been entitled to adopt delegated
acts which can make these vitally needed adjustments.
The joint statement on the Radio Lockdown Directive is open to more
signatures. Whether a user, a charity project, or a business, the Radio
Lockdown Directive affects everyone. We ask other organisations and
companies to support our statement and make sure that the Radio Lockdown
Directive will not place blanket, unnecessary and disproportionate
restrictions on the rights of consumers and businesses when implementing
the Directive into national legislations.
Please also read our detailed analysis[3], and feel free to contact us
if you have any questions.
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
FSFE News <https://fsfe.org/news/news.en.rss>
Upcoming FSFE Events <https://fsfe.org/events/events.en.rss>
Fellowship Blog Aggregation <https://planet.fsfe.org/en/rss20.xml>
Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. https://fsfe.org/activities/radiodirective/statement.en.html
2. https://fsfe.org/activities/radiodirective/radiodirective.en.html
3. https://fsfe.org/activities/radiodirective/radiodirective.en.html
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= I love Free Software Day 2016 =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2016/news-20160208-01.en.html ]
It's time to say "thank you" on 14th of February, the " I love Free
Software[1] " Day 2016. The Free Software Foundation Europe asks all
Free Software users to use the traditional day of love to think of the
hardworking people contributing to the Free Software we all depend on.
As every year[2] there are many ways for people to participate in this
online campaign which has first been celebrated five years ago.
In the Free Software society we exchange a lot of criticism. We write
bug reports, tell others how they can improve the software, ask them for
new features, and generally are not shy about criticising others. There
is nothing wrong about that. It helps us to constantly improve. But
sometimes we forget to show the hardworking people behind the software
our appreciation. We should not underestimate the power of a simple
"thank you" to motivate Free Software contributors in their important
work for society. The 14th of February (a Sunday this year) is the ideal
day to do that.
== Show your love for Free Software ==
Free Software drives a huge number of devices in our everyday life. It
ensures our freedom, our security, civil rights, and privacy. It enables
everyone to participate in a fair society. But as with people, everybody
has different reasons to love Free Software. Let's show this variety to
the world!
As the traditional day to show one's appreciation to people, Valentine's
Day is the perfect opportunity to say *thank you* to the contributors of
the various Free Software you love: developers, translators, designers,
testers, or documentation writers, of huge softwares or smaller
projects. All of them work on the Free Software ecosystem which we can
enjoy every day.
== Be part of #ilovefs ==
It doesn't matter who and where you are and what you do – everyone can
participate at the "I love Free Software" day in many different ways:
- *Pictures*: Send some cool videos or pictures of yourself or your
friends, a meme image, or something completely different – the main
thing is creativity! And with each video and image you automatically
participate in our *#ilovefs competition* (visit our website for more
information). See the pictures of last years[3] for some inspiration.
- *Postcards*: Thank your favourite contributors for their work in an
individual way. For example by sending one of our postcards[4].
- *Spread the word*: Show your appreciation publicly using social
networks or your blog to demonstrate the world how many people love
Free Software – and thereby motivate others to do the same. Just use
the hashtag *#ilovefs* on GnuSocial[5], Twitter[6], or other
platforms.
- *Do it yourself*: You didn't find what you were looking for? No
problem, just do something else! Create small chocolate bars, design
new promotion material... Find out how to make #ilovefs more unique
with your contribution[7].
If everybody contributes a small part we can enjoy a beautiful "I love
Free Software" day together. Let's share videos and pictures, send
postcards, tweets and blog posts, and show our love individually. Happy
I love Free Software day everyone!
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
FSFE News <https://fsfe.org/news/news.en.rss>
Upcoming FSFE Events <https://fsfe.org/events/events.en.rss>
Fellowship Blog Aggregation <https://planet.fsfe.org/en/rss20.xml>
Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. http://ilovefs.org
2. https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150303-01.en.html
3. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/ilovefs/whylovefs/gallery.en.html
4. https://fsfe.org/contribute/spreadtheword.en.html#ilovefs-postcard
5. http://gnu.io/
6. https://twitter.com/hashtag/ilovefs
7. https://wiki.fsfe.org/ILoveFS-2016
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= FSFE signs association joint letter for terminal device freedom =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20151028-01.en.html ]
Together with 9 other civil and economic organisations the Free Software
Foundation Europe (FSFE) sent a letter to numerous members of the German
Bundestag concerning the compulsory routers issue at the present
Wednesday. The letter is supposed to highlight the importance of passing
the bill for freedom of terminal devices in telecommunication.
On the 4th of November the four parliament committees Economy and
Energy, Law and Consumer Protection, Traffic and Digital Infrastructure,
and Digital Agenda will consult about the bill „for selection and
connection of telecommunication terminal devices“. The 132
representatives who sit in the committees will bear a special
responsibility since it is in their power to save the rights of
consumers and protect small and medium-sized businesses.
„We welcome the Federal Government drafting a bill which can
effectively eradicate compulsory routers“, says Matthias Kirschner,
FSFE's President. „The current status of compulsory routers is
harmful for both citizens and economy. This fact has to be known to
all representatives cross-party. Now we need a quick and unmodified
implementation of the drafted law.“
The bill is the outcome of a long discussion about so-called compulsory
routers. These forbid internet users to use a terminal device of their
choice and force them to always have the provider's device in the own
home network. This widespread practise is a threat to security, privacy,
and independence of all internet users and has negative effects on free
and fair competition of manufacturers.
Despite the unanimous opinion of experts, consumer protectors, and
politicians some members of the Federal Council aligned with the few
current bill's opponents. In doing so they adapted technically
inconsistent and long-disproved arguments of internet providers and
network carriers. Up to now the Federal Government rejected the
Council's criticism as not reasonable.
„Today's letter shall prevent a repetition of the Council's
disappointing reaction. With a broad alliance of many-faceted
supporters of terminal device freedom we ask the committees' members
to put those basic user rights as soon as possible and without any
rotten compromises into law“, says Max Mehl, FSFE's Germany
Coordinator. „As of today no representative can plead lack of
knowledge of the importance of terminal device freedom for the
independent usage and security of the internet.“
You can view the depersonalised version of the sent association joint
letter here[1]. Additionally we listed all important events in the
course of the compulsory routers debate seperately on our website[2].
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
FSFE News <https://fsfe.org/news/news.en.rss>
Upcoming FSFE Events <https://fsfe.org/events/events.en.rss>
Fellowship Blog Aggregation <https://planet.fsfe.org/en/rss20.xml>
Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. https://fsfe.org/activities/routers/files/20151027_Verbaendeschreiben.pdf
2. https://fsfe.org/activities/routers/timeline.en.html
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= FSFE convinces 1125 public administrations to remove proprietary software advertisements =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20151013-01.en.html ]
After six years of activity, the PDFreaders campaign[1] is coming to a
close this month as one of our most successful campaigns.
The campaign began in 2009 with the intent of removing advertisements
for proprietary PDF reader software from public institutions' websites.
To start it all off, volunteers submitted 2104 "bugs", or instances of
proprietary PDF software being directly promoted by public authorities,
and the FSFE listed[2] them online. Since then, hundreds of Free
Software activists took action by writing to the relevant public
institutions and calling for changes to their websites. We received a
lot of positive feedback from the institutions thanking us for our
letters, and to date, 1125 out of the 2104 websites (53%) edited their
websites by removing links to proprietary PDF readers, or adding links
to Free Software PDF readers.
In addition to writing letters, FSFE also collected signatures for a
petition calling for an end to advertisement for proprietary software
products on government websites[3]. 90 organizations, 63 businesses, and
2731 individuals signed this petition.
Furthermore, we were able to push for change at both national and
international levels.
- In Germany, national parties[4] gave statements in favor of free PDF
readers and the German Government itself has recommended the usage of
our text snippet in their migration guide[5]. FSFE's coordinator for
Germany, Max Mehl, covers it[6] in more detail on his blog.
- In the EU: the European Parliament directly asked[7] the European
Commission what were the reasons for advertising a specific software
and which steps were taken to solve this problem.
- In 2011 one of our pdfreaders.org coordinators, Hannes Hauswedell, was
in contact with Google[8], asking them to release the PDF reader
included in their Chrome browser as Free Software. Finally, in May
2014, the pdfium sources were published openly[9], and while FSFE's
enquiry might not have been the only reason they were released, it
marks an important change for the widespread adoption of Free Software
PDF readers.
"This success would not have been possible without the help and hard
work from our volunteers and the support from our donors. *Thank
you!* While many public and private web-sites still promote
proprietary readers, the level of awareness has changed
significantly during our campaign and now it should be much easier
for you to approach the remaining web-site administrators. Also most
internet users today already use Free Software when they open a PDF
file in their browser -- a huge difference from 2009!" says Hannes
Hauswedell who started the campaign. "Of course work still remains
and we invite you to keep on reminding (public) administrators to
use Open Standards and not recommend proprietary software. And with
your support, we too, will continue to fight for a web that respects
its users' privacy and freedom!"
To get involved[10] you can use our sample letter[11] to send to the
relevant public administration, or you can write one of your own. Just
make sure to include where to find a list of Free Software PDF
readers[12] that could replace the link from their website.
A special thanks again to the activists, volunteers, and donors who
helped make this campaign a success!
1. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/pdfreaders.en.html
2. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/buglist.en.html
3. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/petition.en.html
4. http://gruen-digital.de/2012/03/document-freedom-day-kleine-anfrage-zur-wer…
5. http://www.cio.bund.de/Web/DE/Architekturen-und-Standards/Migrationsleitfad…
6. http://blog.mehl.mx/2015/german-government-wants-authorities-to-advertise-p…
7. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/parliamentary-questions-eu.en.html
8. http://blogs.fsfe.org/polina/2015/09/10/free-pdf-reader-for-the-web-browser/
9. https://twitter.com/nasko/status/469595752734269440
10. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/follow-up.en.html
11. https://fsfe.org/campaigns/pdfreaders/letter.en.html
12. http://pdfreaders.org
== 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 to understand how Free
Software contributes to freedom, transparency, and self-determination.
It enhances 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.
http://fsfe.org/
= Revisiting the Sony Rootkit fiasco 10 years later =
Today the Free Software Foundation Europe looks back on the Sony rootkit
fiasco from 2005. This page outlines some facts about the rootkit and
how it was handled, as well as some context about what these kinds of
restrictions mean for the notion of computers as general purpose
machines. 31 October 2015 marks the 10 year anniversary of when the
rootkit was discovered, and in preparation for this day, we ask you all
to use this information and spread the word, not only about the Sony
rootkit, but about the dangers of digital restrictions on users'
freedoms everywhere.
[Read online: http://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.html ]
== Table of Contents ==
- Introduction
- What Sony did
- The computer: a general purpose machine
- FSFE's demands
- Press Contact / Interview partner
- Related Links
- Related Pictures
- About Free Software Foundation Europe
== Introduction ==
Imagine someone buys a music CD in a store. They go home and put it into
their computer to listen to it. Without their knowledge, a program is
installed. This program secretly checks whether that person started a
program to copy CDs, and if so, forces them to stop. It also slows down
their computer and opens security holes which can be used by others to
attack their own computer.
That is what happened 10 years ago if you bought one of 25 million music
CDs from Sony. This attack by Sony on people's computers was discovered
on 31 October 2005 and was later referred as the "Sony rootkit". It
affected more than 550,000 networks in more than one hundred countries,
including thousands of US military and defence networks.
Sony's rootkit provides a good example of what companies are willing to
do to restrict users' behaviour with technical means. Even though the
Sony rootkit is now 10 years old, hurtful digital restrictions are
everywhere. They are shipped in PCs, laptops, netbooks, ebook readers,
audio players, cars, coffee machines, and other devices. As Digital
Restriction Management (DRM) prevents uses of the device which the
manufacturer does not intend, they can control and limit what a general
purpose computer may be used for. In case of IT devices with internet
access, they can alter these usage restrictions at any time without even
informing the device owner. As a result, IT manufacturers can take away,
at will, common rights owners of products usually receive.
"Manufacturers should never be in a position where they permanently
control the devices they produce. Those who own a device, be it
individuals, companies, public or non-public organisations, should be
the ones who can control it and legally use it." say FSFE's president
Matthias Kirschner. "Such restrictions limit a sustained growth in the
development and use of software, for which unrestricted general
purpose computers are crucial."
== What Sony Did ==
On 31 October 2005, tech security expert Mark Russinovich published his
discovery on his blog[1] about a piece of spyware, known as a rootkit,
that secretly installed itself on his computer. He concluded that the
rootkit was connected to the proprietary music player that was included
in Sony music CDs. The hidden rootkit program was used to spy on users
and their listening habits, and share that information with Sony, as
well as prevent other third party audio programs from reading the
disk[2].
In the process of spying, the rootkit created additional security
flaws[3] which opened the doors for other, more malicious attacks. Even
if users detected the rootkit, safely uninstalling it without damaging
their computer was another problem.
In total, the rootkit was loaded onto roughly 25 million CDs[4] and
infected more than 550,000 networks in more than one hundred countries,
including thousands of US military and defense networks[5].
But Sony BMG's president, Thomas Hesse, dismissed the issue completely,
and was quoted saying "Most people, I think, don't even know what a
Rootkit is, so why should they care about it?"[6]. The press published
what Sony was secretly doing to people's personal property and Sony was
forced to settle numerous lawsuits[7] and repair customers' trust as
soon as possible.
Despite the fallout of Sony's rootkit experiment, 10 years later
restrictions on users' personal property are more prevalent than ever.
Restrictions are commonly found in legitimately purchased ebooks, video
game hardware, and all manner of proprietary software. It has even found
ways into our cars[8], and coffee machines[9]. Even Steve Jobs lamented
the forceful implementation of restriction software[10], software his
own company was well known for using.
== The computer: a general purpose machine ==
Technological restrictions on the legitimate use of devices are
dangerous because they are slowly transforming our computers from being
general purpose machines with diverse capabilities, to being a singular
device with limited scope of power. Private companies limit computers'
functionality because it is better for business when users are locked in
to a particular service provider.
When users are locked in by restrictions from content providers and
oppressive copyright legislation, society suffers because people lose
out on the possibilities of innovating and experimenting with new
products or services, as well as their ability to fix and improve their
own devices. By trying to restrict the use of devices or content for one
specific case (i.e. unauthorised copying or to prevent outsiders from
accessing the device), companies prevent to use computer for all other
legitimate purposes that users may be entitled to.
This is a major obstacle for future innovations and destroys the
computer as a general purpose machine. Furthermore, these restrictions
do not differentiate between legitimate or illegal manipulations
performed on the computer by its users, imposing blanket constraints on
everyone. As a consequence, no one beside the manufacturer has control
over machines that control our lives, and the data stored on them.
"Try to build a kitchen knife which prevents others from killing
someone with it. You cannot technically restrict one use case without
restricting many others as well." says Matthias Kirschner.
== FSFE Demands ==
FSFE's goal is to ensure that the owners of IT devices can always be in
full and sole control of them. For maintaining sustained growth in the
development and use of software, the broad availability of general
purpose computers is crucial.
1. FSFE demands that before purchasing a device, buyers must be informed
concisely about the technical measures implemented in this device, as
well as the specific usage restrictions and their consequences for the
owner.
2. FSFE and other organisations are calling on lawmakers to safeguard
the right to tinker for everyone. The right to tinker makes sure that
the owner of every device is allowed to replace or supplement the
software in that device if they so choose, thereby empowering owners to
control their own property. To ensure this protection, FSFE asks the
European Commission to propose legislation strengthening computer
owner's rights, by requiring that every computer owner must be enabled
to modify and exchange the software and hardware on any computing
device, and afterwards be allowed to sell it with those modifications.
3. It is clear that the right to tinker must also be coupled with a
legal provision that prevents technological restrictions of the same
right. For this reason the FSFE asks the Commission to propose
legislation to ensure that consumers can make use of digital goods which
they have acquired within the full scope of copyright exceptions and
limitations.
== Press contact / interview partner ==
Matthias Kirschner: press(a)fsfeurope.org (English, German)
President Free Software Foundation Europe
Schönhauser Allee 6/7, 10119 Berlin, Germany
+49-30-27595290
If you would like to have an interview or answers to your questions in
another languages, please contact us, and we refer you to someone
speaking that language.
== Related links ==
- Defective By Design - EFF's sideproject blog specifically against
DRM <http://www.defectivebydesign.org/>
- EFF's DRM info database - EFF's database of all things DRM related
<https://www.eff.org/search/site/DRM>
- BoingBoing timeline - covers major events following Russinovich's
blog post <http://boingboing.net/2005/11/14/sony-anticustomer-te.html>
- MIT Technology Review - In depth article on the technology, companies,
and fallout of Sony's rootkit
<http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/405741/inside-the-spyware-sca…>
- DRM.info leaflets - FSFE's leaflets on the dangers of DRM available
for download or hard copy
<http://fsfe.org/contribute/spreadtheword#drm-leaflet>
- Keynote on General Purpose Computing - by FSFE President Matthias
Kirschner <http://ftp5.gwdg.de/pub/linux/kde/extrafiles/akademy/2015/videos/Matthias%2…>
== Related pictures ==
Related pictures under Creative Commons licenses are available on:
http://fsfe.org/activities/drm/sony-rootkit-fiasco.html#restrictions-pictur…
== References ==
1. http://blogs.technet.com/b/markrussinovich/archive/2005/10/31/sony-rootkits…
2. http://www.technologyreview.com/featuredstory/405741/inside-the-spyware-sca…
3. https://freedom-to-tinker.com/blog/jhalderm/cd-drm-makes-computers-less-sec…
4. https://w2.eff.org/IP/DRM/Sony-BMG/
5. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2005/11/kaminsky-rootkit-causing-widespread-i…
6. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4989260
7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/4577536.stm
8. https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2013/11/drm-cars-will-drive-consumers-crazy
9. http://www.wired.com/2015/05/keurig-k-cup-drm/
10. http://macdailynews.com/2007/02/06/apple_ceo_steve_jobs_posts_rare_open_let…
== 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 to understand how Free
Software contributes to freedom, transparency, and self-determination.
It enhances 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.
http://fsfe.org/
= FSFE elects new President and Vice President =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150922-01.en.html ]
Matthias Kirschner and Alessandro Rubini are FSFE's new President and
Vice President. They were elected last week in Bucharest during FSFE's
General Assembly, while Reinhard Müller was re-elected as Financial
Officer. They will serve FSFE in those positions for the upcoming two
years.
Matthias Kirschner is an FSFE employee since 2009. He started using
GNU/Linux in 1999 and realised that software is deeply involved in all
aspects of our lives. Matthias is convinced that this technology has to
empower society rather than restrict it. While studying Political and
Administrative Science he convinced the FSFE to accept him as the FSFE's
first intern in 2004. Since then he has been helping other
organisations, companies and governments to understand how they can
benefit from Free Software -- which gives everybody the rights to use,
study, share and improve software -- and how those rights help to
support freedom of speech, freedom of press, or privacy.
Matthias loves spending time with his baby son, and in his spare time
assists in wilderness first aid seminars, enjoys comics like XKCD and
Transmetropolitan, Monty Python, and Die Ärzte.
Alessandro Rubini is an electronic engineer and holds a Ph.D. in
computer science. He installed Linux 0.99.14, is an active Free Software
user and developer, and author of the book "Linux Device Drivers". After
his Ph.D. he left the university as he did not want to just write
articles. He now works as an independent consultant in the area of
industrial use of GNU/Linux, mainly on device drivers and embedded
system as well as on microcontrollers and PCB design. Recently he has
been working with CERN within the White Rabbit project, aimed at sub-
nanosecond synchronisation of I/O cards. He enjoys working with CERN, as
they have a policy to publish all their work as Free Software and Free
Hardware.
Alessandro was already a member of the Free Software Foundation Europe
from 2001 to 2006 and recently joined FSFE again. He felt that FSFE is
the right place to have positive and constructive discussions about Free
Software. Beside his volunteer engagement in FSFE and in other Free
Software organisations, he is an active boy scout, likes cycling, is
father of two children, and listens to white noise during work.
"I am happy to welcome both Matthias and Alessandro to their new
roles," says Executive Director Jonas Öberg, "both have been
instrumental in shaping the organisation into its current form and I
look forward to the expertise they will bring as we go about
empowering users to control technology."
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= "Freedomvote": 10 questions about digital freedom for the Swiss national election =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150916-01.en.html ]
In anticipation of the Swiss national parliament elections (Nationalrat-
/ Ständeratswahlen) on 18 October 2015, FSFE Switzerland starts the
„Freedomvote“[1] campaign today, in cooperation with the "Swiss Open
Systems User Group“ (/ch/open). The campaign offers an online portal
that lists those candidates who will run for election, and their opinion
towards Internet policy, Free Software, and open data formats.
The Freedomvote campaign aims to give voters guidance about the
candidates who are running for election. For many voters nowadays, it is
important what candidates think about aspects of Internet politics, such
as freedom and user rights in the digital age. However, many politicians
still try to avoid these topics. With its Freedomvote campaign, the FSFE
Switzerland wants to change that and bring Internet policy topics and
the use of Free Software into the political agenda. All candidates are
invited to answer diverse questions affecting digital user rights,
e-voting, net neutrality, open data, educational material, Free Software
and encryption. In addition, candidates are welcome to explicitly
explain their own position and provide answers to each question in a
free text field. Based on the answers of the candidates, voters who care
about digital rights, receive help to decide for whom they might vote
for. To get the best results, it is also possible to set up one's own
profile as a voter in order to match your distinct answers with those of
the candidates.
„To answer the ten questions, candidates can use our platform directly
themself and forward the answers via their party, or directly contact
us" says Simon Wächter from Freedomvote, "what we hope for is active
encouragement of candidates from all parties to our transparency
initiative. The more who participate, the more can the campaign help to
offer good guidance for the voters." FSFE Switzerland sends out
hundreds of mails and letters this week, to ask candidates for their
participation. You can help them by additionally asking the candidates
of your region about their participation, personally.
Besides the development and provision of Freedomvote by FSFE Switzerland
and /ch/open[2], the campaign is supported by various civil rights
organisations, such as Parldigi[3], Internet Society Switzerland
Chapter[4], Opendata.ch[5], Digitalle Allmend[6], and Willhelm Tux[7].
The underlying software of freedomvote.ch is self-developed and is
published as Free Software[8].
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
FSFE News <https://fsfe.org/news/news.en.rss>
Upcoming FSFE Events <https://fsfe.org/events/events.en.rss>
Fellowship Blog Aggregation <https://planet.fsfe.org/en/rss20.xml>
Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. https://freedomvote.ch
2. http://ch-open.ch/
3. http://www.digitale-nachhaltigkeit.ch/
4. http://www.isoc.ch/
5. http://opendata.ch/
6. http://allmend.ch/
7. http://www.wilhelmtux.ch/
8. https://freie.software/adfinis-sygroup/freedomvote
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= FSFE supports recognition for User Data Rights =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150829-01.en.html ]
FSFE supports the publication of the User Data Manifesto 2.0, which aims
at defining basic rights for people to control their own data in the
internet age. The manifesto is published today and also supported by
GNOME, KDE, Netzpolitik.org, ownCloud, Spreed, “Terms of Service -
Didn’t Read” and X-Lab.
Today, users are increasingly using online services to perform their
daily computing, whether it is for social networking, for collaboration,
or for sharing pictures, among many other activities. Thus, users are
losing control over their own data more than ever.
According to the User Data Manifesto, people should have:
1. *Control* over user data access,
2. *Knowledge* of how user data is stored, and which laws or
jurisdictions apply.
3. *Freedom* to choose a platform, without experiencing vendor lock-in.
FSFE believes that Free Software is necessary to guarantee this.
“The recognition of the User Data Rights defined in the manifesto is an
important block to build a free society in the digital age“ says Hugo
Roy, deputy coordinator of FSFE’s Legal Team and coauthor of the User
Data Manifesto. “The freedoms to use, share, study and improve software
that we use in our lives is a necessity not only for programs on our
local machines, but also for the programs that run online services
processing our data” according to Björn Schießle, deputy coordinator of
FSFE’s German Team. The manifesto is a good starting point for an
important debate about users’ rights online. FSFE looks forward to other
organisations joining the effort to promote online services that
respects users’ rights and freedoms.
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/
= FSFE welcomes adoption of copyright report in EP's JURI committee =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20150616-01.en.html ]
In an important step towards modernising the EU's copyright laws, the
Legal Affairs committee of the European Parliament on Tuesday adopted a
report on the Copyright Directive by MEP Julia Reda.
By adopting the report with 23 votes in favour and 2 against, the
committee asks the European Commission to consider a number of important
updates to copyright as it works towards a revision of the EU Copyright
Directive.
"In a world built on information, copyright law is important in shaping
the ways in which we live and work," says Karsten Gerloff, FSFE's
president. "We hope that MEPs will further strengthen the rights of
users as the report moves towards a plenary vote."
FSFE, which provided input[1] to the MEPs on the Legal Affairs committe
ahead of the vote, views the adopted report as largely positive. The
committee generally supported the idea that copyright exceptions and
limitations should apply equally both on- and offline. The MEPs also
voted in favour of allowing authors to dedicate their works directly to
the public domain.
The JURI commmitte adopted language stating that technological measures
such as Digital Restrictions Management (DRM) should not stop users from
enjoying copyright exceptions and limitations. However, the adopted
report leaves out concrete measures to ensure that people can actually
enjoy the full use of works that they have acquired.
On the negative side, the text adopted today is lacking in some
important respects. It does not contain an explicit statement that
hyperlinks do not require a copyright license, so that this essential
building block of the web remains in danger.
Reda's proposal for an "open norm" akin to the "fair use" concept in the
US was significantly weakened. The adopted wording on text and data
mining is regrettably ambiguous. FSFE also regrets the deletion of
language that made a clear distinction between physical and
"intellectual property".
MEPs can still submit amendments to the report. The European Parliament
is scheduled to hold a plenary vote on July 9.
--
Free Software Foundation Europe <https://fsfe.org>
FSFE News <https://fsfe.org/news/news.en.rss>
Upcoming FSFE Events <https://fsfe.org/events/events.en.rss>
Fellowship Blog Aggregation <https://planet.fsfe.org/en/rss20.xml>
Free Software Discussions <https://fsfe.org/contact/community.en.html>
1. http://fsfe.org/activities/policy/eu/20150605-Comments-On-Reda-Report.en.ht…
== About the Free Software Foundation Europe ==
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
participation in a digital society. To secure equal participation in
the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
of the FSFE.
http://fsfe.org/