[FSFE PR][ES] FSFE signs association joint letter for terminal device freedom

[press en fsfeurope.org]

 = FSFE signs association joint letter for terminal device freedom =

[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2015/news-20151028-01.es.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].

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 1. https://fsfe.org/activities/routers/files/20151027_Verbaendeschreiben.pdf
 2. https://fsfe.org/activities/routers/timeline.es.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.

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