[FSFE PR][EN] Dutch government formation: open letter on Free Software and Public Money? Public Code!

[press at fsfe.org]

 = Dutch government formation: open letter on Free Software and Public Money? Public Code! =

[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2021/news-20211118-01.en.html ]

The Dutch government is about to form itself and setting up goals for
the next term. With an open letter, the FSFE urges the coalition parties
to implement the "open, unless" policy of 2020 and thus the principle of
Public Money? Public Code!

Free Software gives everybody the right to use, study, share, and
improve software. This right helps support other fundamental freedoms
like freedom of speech, press and privacy. With the principle of "Public
Money? Public Code!" implemented, the government will improve the
transparency and digital sovereignty.

Also it will help educational institutions with digital skills,
information literacy, and improving the privacy of students and staff.
At the same time it will stimulate the IT market and thus others like
the labour market. Open code encourages cooperation with governments at
home and abroad.

First attempts to promote Free Software among public bodies, like the
"open, unless" policy of 2020, need to be followed, implemented, and
extended. We urge for legislation requiring that publicly financed
software developed for the public sector be made publicly available
under a Free Software license. Code paid by the people should be
available to the people!

You can read the full open letter in Dutch [1] and in English [2].

Freedom in the information society needs your financial contribution.

Become a supporter now [3]   Discuss this [4]

 1: https://download.fsfe.org/campaigns/pmpc/FSFE_letter_20211116_NL.pdf
 2: https://download.fsfe.org/campaigns/pmpc/FSFE_letter_20211116_EN.pdf
 3: https://my.fsfe.org/donate?referrer=https://fsfe.org/news/2021/news-20211118-01.html
 4: https://community.fsfe.org/t/758

  == 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