= La FSFE exige a la Comisión Europea una financiación sostenible a largo plazo para el Software Libre =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240911-01.es.html ]
Tras el reciente recorte de 27 millones de euros en la financiación de
NGI, la Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) responde a la creciente
preocupación participando en una consulta pública de la Comisión
Europea. La FSFE insiste en la necesidad urgente de contar con un apoyo
financiero sostenible y a largo plazo para el Software Libre, que
garantice la independencia tecnológica de Europa.
El reciente recorte de 27 millones de euros asignados a la financiación
de la iniciativa Next Generation Internet [1] ha puesto de manifiesto la
fragilidad del apoyo financiero a la libertad del software en su
conjunto, y ha puesto de relieve una cuestión crítica: Europa necesita
una financiación sostenible, segura y dedicada para garantizar su
control sobre la tecnología a través del Software Libre. Gran parte de
la infraestructura digital europea depende de estos proyectos [2] para
garantizar su independencia y resiliencia. Reducir o recortar la
financiación amenaza la autonomía tecnológica de Europa.
En respuesta a la postura ambigua de la Comisión Europea [3] sobre una
futura financiación, la FSFE ha participado en la consulta pública,
presionando para asegurar que las soluciones de Software Libre reciban
la financiación necesaria a largo plazo. Esta es la única manera de
impulsar con éxito la digitalización de Europa.
"La estrategia digital de la UE sólo puede alcanzar todo su potencial si
se centra sistemáticamente en el Software Libre", enfatiza Alexander
Sander, consultor político senior de la FSFE. "Exigimos que los fondos
públicos se asignen de forma eficiente. La libertad del Software debe
ser apoyada de manera constante con financiación sostenible y a largo
plazo. Después de todo, si es dinero público, ¡debería ser código
público!".
1: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240719-01.es.html
2: https://www.ngi.eu/news/2024/07/11/ngi-impact-study/
3: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240808-01.es.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
= Apple vs Comisión Europea: la FSFE interviene para salvaguardar el Software Libre =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240812-01.es.html ]
La Free Software Foundation Europe interviene en un litigio interpuesto
por Apple contra la Comisión Europea ante el Tribunal de Justicia de la
Unión Europea. El caso está relacionado con la Ley de Mercados
Digitales, pretendiendo Apple eludir obligaciones relacionadas con su
App Store y la interoperabilidad de su sistema operativo. La FSFE
pretende responsabilizar a Apple en virtud de la DMA para proteger los
intereses del Software Libre frente al control monopolístico de las
empresas.
El Tribunal de Justicia de la Unión Europea ha permitido oficialmente a
la FSFE intervenir en el litigio interpuesto por Apple contra la
Comisión Europea [1] para evitar ser designado "gatekeeper" (guardián)
en virtud de la ley de Mercados Digitales Digital Markets Act (DMA) [2].
La compañía ha presentado una política agresiva contra la libertad de
software y la interoperabilidad, tratando de impedir la aplicación de la
DMA, una ley dedicada a aumentar la equidad y la contestabilidad en los
mercados digitales mediante la regulación del comportamiento económico
de las grandes corporaciones tecnológicas.
"Convertirse en parte interviniente en este caso es crucial, ya que la
FSFE representa la perspectiva de la sociedad civil, lo que enriquece
los procedimientos judiciales. Esto permite al tribunal tomar decisiones
con pleno conocimiento de causa", afirma el Dr. Martin Husovec, abogado
que representa a la FSFE ante el tribunal.
La intervención de la FSFE pretende defender la aplicación de la DMA
ante Apple, potenciando la voz de la comunidad del Software Libre [3]
contra las prácticas desleales de la compañía. Los proyectos de Software
Libre se ven desproporcionadamente afectados por las prácticas
monopolísticas [4] de la compañía. Las políticas de tarifas de Apple, el
estricto bloqueo de proveedores, la prohibición de la carga lateral y la
restricción de tiendas de aplicaciones alternativas suponen barreras
insuperables contra la Libertad del Software.
"Enfrentarse a un gigante corporativo como Apple, que dispone de miles
de millones de euros para obstaculizar la Libertad de Software, refleja
el compromiso de la FSFE con la preservación de entornos digitales
abiertos y competitivos. La intervención de la FSFE es fundamental para
la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos [5], asegurando que los usuarios y
desarrolladores no se vean encerrados en sistemas propietarios, y puedan
elegir y utilizar libremente el software que deseen. La aceptación del
tribunal de la solicitud de la FSFE subraya la importancia del Software
Libre y la interoperabilidad no sólo para los mercados digitales, sino
también para las libertades de los usuarios, la Internet abierta y la
democracia digital", afirma Lucas Lasota, Legal Programme Manager de la
FSFE.
Al aceptar a la FSFE en el litigio, el tribunal declaró [6] que "es
probable que el caso tenga un impacto significativo en [...] el
suministro de Software Libre, el libre intercambio de información y la
igualdad de oportunidades en el acceso al software". Además, el tribunal
reconoció que, en caso de que se anulara la decisión de designación de
la Comisión, [...] "tal resultado tendría un impacto en la capacidad de
los desarrolladores de aplicaciones o Software Libre para interconectar
sus aplicaciones de forma gratuita con el sistema operativo iOS de
Apple, lo que, a su vez, afectaría a la capacidad de la FSFE para
promover y distribuir dicho software a un público lo más amplio
posible".
El siguiente paso para la FSFE es presentar sus alegaciones a mediados
de septiembre. Se publicarán más actualizaciones en fsfe.org [7].
1: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=289266&page…
2: https://fsfe.org/activities/dma/dma.es.html
3: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240627-01.es.html
4: https://download.fsfe.org/device-neutrality/202404-FSFE-apple-report-EC.pdf
5: https://fsfe.org/activities/deviceneutrality/index
6: https://curia.europa.eu/juris/document/document.jsf?text=&docid=289266&page…
7: https://fsfe.org/index.es.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
= Europe needs Free Software to master its digital infrastructure =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240701-01.es.html ]
The FSFE calls upon the European Commission to use Free Software to
ensure a secure and resilient digital infrastructure. Software freedom
will also benefit the economy, civil society and democracy.
The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) provided last evening its
input to the European Commission's consultation [1] on the white paper
"How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?". As an advocate
for software freedom, the FSFE underscores the crucial role of Free
Software in building secure and resilient digital infrastructure for
Europe while strengthening economy, democracy and civil society alike.
Challenges around digital infrastructure occur at global, regional and
local levels, often revolving around control and access. Collaboration
and openness are playing just as important role as the capability and
skills to swiftly and effectively fix issues. Challenges addressed by
the White paper could be addressed by redirecting IT investments in
software freedom instead of procuring closed source, proprietary
software. This approach not only boosts the European IT landscape and
creates jobs but also saves costs and resources in the medium and long
term by avoiding the need to repeatedly reinvent the the wheel.
“The European digital infrastructure, the European tech market, the IT
skills of Europeans and civil society would greatly benefit if
investments in software adhered to the principle of “Public money?
Public Code!” We need software that fosters the sharing of good ideas
and solutions. Like this we will be able to manage and improve IT
services and digital infrastructure all over Europe. We need software
that guarantees freedom of choice, access, and competition. We need
software that helps public administrations regain full control of their
critical digital infrastructure, allowing them to become and remain
independent from a handful of companies. Therefore, laws and programs
are needed, that publicly financed software developed for public sector
must be made publicly available under a Free Software licence.
Investment in the Free Software ecosystem will pay off quickly while
strengthening Europe infrastructure, economy, democracy and civil
society alike.”, demands Alexander Sander, FSFE’s Senior Policy
Consultant.
The "Public Money? Public Code!" [2] initiative aims to establish Free
Software as the standard for publicly funded software. The "Public
Money? Public Code!" initiative of the Free Software Foundation Europe
is supported by over 200 organizations and administrations.
1: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/1…
2: https://fsfe.org/publiccode.eu
== 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
= Defending DMA against Apple: The FSFE signs joint position paper =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240627-01.es.html ]
Together with nine stakeholders organisations, the FSFE has submitted a
joint position paper to the European Commission, with whom we are
working on the implementation of the Digital Markets Act. This paper,
supported by legal and data-backed arguments, addresses Apple’s non-
compliance with the law, particularly concerning software freedom,
alternative Free Software app stores and interoperability obligations.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) regulates large tech companies in the EU,
setting the main rules for designating gatekeepers and enforcing their
obligations. As a designated “gatekeeper”, Apple was required to present
a strategy for complying with the DMA. Since March 2024, the European
Commission (EC) has been investigating it for non-compliance [1].
Following a series of interventions, in order to assist the DMA
enforcement procedure, the FSFE is signed a joint position [2] to the
EC, highlighting the main problematic aspects of Apple in relation to
Free Software.
As far as the FSFE is concerned, the main points relate to:
- *Software freedom*: By blocking side-loading of apps and the
unfettered installation of alternative app stores, Apple is violating
Art.6(4). Concretely, paragraph 4 obliges the gatekeeper to provide
users with the possibility to easily install apps from other sources
than the gatekeeper’s own software application store. Recital (41)
clarifies that the gatekeeper is prohibited from undermining or
restricting that possibility in any way.
- *Vendor lock-in vs interoperability*: By hampering effective
interoperability with of hardware functions, the company is violating
Art. 6(7). Apple has introduced an opaque and non-accountable system
to grant interoperability that impedes Free Software projects to
effectively access hardware and software functions of devices. The DMA
prescribes the opposite: interoperability should be granted free of
charge and effectively, so third parties can enjoy the same privileged
access to hardware and software as the gatekeepers.
The FSFE welcomes the EC’s efforts in finding Apple to be in breach of
the law [3]. However, this is only the first step in a regulatory
process aimed at reducing the company’s monopolistic control over
devices.
=== Apple threatens Free Software – please help protecting software freedom! ===
The DMA includes several provisions directly impacting Free Software
[4]. It mandates “gatekeepers” to allow installing of software
(sideloading), to enable alternative app stores and repositories to be
used in devices, and several interoperability obligations, allowing
third party developers to access the same hardware functions as the
gatekeepers.
Apple’s unfair behaviour against Free Software highlights the critical
need to monitor the implementation of the DMA. The FSFE collaborated
with F-Droid, the AppFair project, and other interoperability experts to
scrutinize Apple’s DMA compliance, and it’s impact on Free Software.
Since then, we coordinated several expert workshops with stakeholders,
discussed with regulators in FOSDEM [5], had official meetings with the
EC’s DMA team [6], and submitted a comprehensive position to the EC [7]
detailing several problematic elements in the Apple compliance that will
harm the Free Software.
Free Software is key for a democratic society and we should not allow
gatekeepers to threaten our rights and freedoms. Apple has a huge
revenue from blocking Free Software on iOS, and has dedicated a lot of
resources to interpret the DMA as it deems fit. For instance, Apple
publicly stated that [8] iPhones and iPads are not general purpose
computers, and users are not allowed to run the software they want.
/Holding companies like Apple accountable under the DMA is a
complicated, time-consuming and resource-intensive activity. It can even
be a dangerous one as the risk of retaliation is real. We face it with
courage and determination. If you are not yet an FSFE supporter,/ please
join our cause today [9] /./ Defending Free Software against large
corporations takes a long time, maybe more than a decade.Our long-term
commitment includes engaging with Free Software communities across
Europe, conducting research and analysis for legal and policy positions,
participating in official hearings, and we are getting prepared to be
involved in strategic litigation.
Inflation is hitting everyone, especially organizations like ours that
rely on individual donations. Your regular support is vital to help us
continue standing up to those who seek to circumvent the law and
undermine our freedoms.
1: https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/latest-news_en
2: https://edri.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Joint-submission-on-Apple-DMA-n…
3: https://digital-markets-act.ec.europa.eu/commission-sends-preliminary-findi…
4: https://fsfe.org/activities/dma/dma.es.html
5: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240318-02.es.html
6: https://fsfe.org/news/nl/nl-202406.es.html#interoperability-apple
7: https://download.fsfe.org/device-neutrality/202404-FSFE-apple-report-EC.pdf
8: https://webcast.ec.europa.eu/compliance-with-the-dma-apple-2024-03-18
9: https://my.fsfe.org/donate?amount=300&period=m
10: https://my.fsfe.org/donate?amount=300&period=m
== 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
= Are Free Software developers at risk? =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240417-01.es.html ]
Free Software is everywhere, with studies estimating that it is present
in about 96% of the applications that we use. But what are the
responsibilities and liabilities of the Free Software developers? A
potential threat to Free Software developers looms in the form of an
ongoing lawsuit in the UK involving Bitcoin and its core developers.
Bitcoin (BTC) is a cryptocurrency created in 2009 that operates under
the MIT Free Software licence [1]. After its creator disappeared, a
group of software developers continued to develop Bitcoin independently.
Currently, Dr. Craig Wright, who claimed to be the creator of Bitcoin
[2], is suing the Bitcoin developers in the UK courts through his
company, Tulip Trading Limited (Tulip). This company claims to have lost
£3 billion worth of bitcoin due to a hack that compromised the private
keys, resulting in the loss of access to the funds. In this lawsuit
Tulip is demanding that the Bitcoin developers provide access to the
lost Bitcoin, arguing that the developers have a legal obligation to
provide access or offer equitable compensation or damages.
As such, this legal case is currently drawing attention to the issue of
Free Software developers' liability, in particular the extent to which
they are responsible to their users.
=== UK High Court’s opinion: Developers have no legal duties or a duty of care in this case, but they do have certain duties in some specific situations. ===
The High Court considered whether software developers and controllers of
digital asset networks bear legal obligations to cryptocurrency holders
who rely on their software. The court ruled in favour of the developers
[3], stating that as a "fluctuating body of individuals", the developers
could not realistically maintain ongoing obligations. The court rejected
the notion that developers should be compelled to provide software
updates upon the request of digital asset owners, emphasising the
absence of any explicit commitment or assurance by the developers.
Regarding the alleged tortious duties, the Court determined that the
developers did not owe Tulip a duty of care, highlighting that Tulip's
loss was solely economic.
/A duty of care is a legal responsibility imposed on an individual that
requires them to follow a level of reasonable care when conducting any
acts that could endanger others./ However, the court recognized that,
in certain cases, *software developers have specific duties. For
instance, developers must exercise caution to avoid harming users'
interests and may have an obligation to remedy bugs or faults in the
system*.
The court also acknowledged that the disclaimer in the MIT license [4],
broadly disclaims liability for software issues. However, the court did
not confirm whether this disclaimer absolved BTC Network developers of
responsibility for its operation. This is because:
- the MIT disclaimer has never been litigated, and the court is free to
decide and set precedent.
- such disclaimers are not easily found when using software.
=== UK Court of Appeal’s opinion: Arguable that developers owe some fiduciary legal duties ===
On appeal, the Court of Appeal (the second highest court in the UK)
overturned the High Court's decision [5], concluding that it was at
least arguable that the developers owe fiduciary legal duties to
cryptocurrency owners. The court noted the exclusive control of the
Bitcoin software code by a small group of developers and their decision-
making role on behalf of all Bitcoin owners, resembling fiduciary
responsibilities. The court also noted that only a handful of developers
have exclusive access to the Bitcoin software code on GitHub. For
example, if a Bitcoin owner notices a bug, he or she is unable to fix it
because only the developers with access can do so, and they have to
agree to do so. In the eyes of the court, this is a clear exercise of
the de facto power of the developers. The court completely missed the
point that no one can prevent others from applying a fix to the code -
that is part of the fundamental freedom that comes with Free Software:
if the developers of a particular repository refuse to apply needed
fixes, the community can fork the project and bypass those developers.
Furthermore, code is speech. Freedom of expression includes expression
in the language of computer code as well. Imposing disproportionate
duties on Free Software developers forces them to change their code, and
therefore infringes on their freedom of expression. The court also
observed that the developers have a positive duty to fix bugs and code
errors and a negative duty to refrain from acting in their own self-
interest.
In summary, Tulip's case raises significant legal questions, and
according to the latest developments, Tulip must prove ownership of the
alleged stolen bitcoins in a preliminary trial [6].
=== Chilling effect on Free Software development? ===
Common law in the UK (and other countries) is developed through court
decisions and precedents. When a court makes a decision in a case, it
establishes a legal precedent that serves as a guide for future cases
with similar circumstances. Lower courts generally have to follow the
precedents set by the higher courts. Courts in common law countries tend
to also borrow concepts and precedents from other countries if there is
no local precedent available. The law and legal scholarship around Free
Software developers’ duties is underdeveloped and almost non-existent.
If Tulip succeeds in their case, it may set an international legal
precedent, opening the floodgates to litigation. This means that any
user of Free Software could potentially sue developers for alleged
breaches of duty.
/A fiduciary duty, as claimed by Tulip, refers to the legal duty of a
person or entity to act in the best interests of another party,
typically referred to as the beneficiary or principal. This duty is
characterized by trust, confidence, and reliance on the fiduciary to act
ethically and responsibly on behalf of the beneficiary. Fiduciary duties
exist in only very specific relationships, like those of trustees,
solicitors, agents, partners, and company directors. Attaching these
duties to Free Software developers is unprecedented and
disproportionate./ Free Software production, a catalyst for
technological innovation, relies on voluntary contributions. Imposing
fiduciary duties (or any disproportionate duties) on developers could
deter them from participating in Free Software projects, fearing legal
repercussions. This could lead to a chilling effect, where developers
opt for more restrictive licensing, or refrain from sharing their code
altogether, or release the software only in jurisdictions where there
are no duties out of fear of litigation. The results of such an effect
would be disastrous; stifling innovation and potentially halting the
progress of specific Free Software endeavours.
In essence, if the court rules in favour of Tulip, it can have far-
reaching consequences that can be detrimental to the Free Software
developers in the following ways:
1. Courts may impose an active duty on Free Software developers to fix
what the courts deem to be problematic issues.
2. In future courts may impose an active duty on Free Software
developers to not cause any bugs that impact users. This can
potentially expose the developers to litigation for just letting
through a bug or failing to spot a bug.
3. Courts may also impose obligations on Free Software developers that
require them to compromise the cryptographic integrity guarantees of
the software. This could involve mandates to weaken encryption
algorithms or provide backdoor access, directly undermining the
security measures designed to protect user privacy and data
confidentiality. Such orders would not only compromise the
effectiveness of encryption software but also the tools such as
secure file deletion or data recovery.
Free Software development thrives on the collaborative efforts of
developers worldwide, continually evolving. The developers’ autonomy
inherent in Free Software must not be jeopardized by the fear of unjust
litigation. FSFE remains vigilant in safeguarding against threats to
developer autonomy that could stifle innovation. In the light of these
concerns, we call upon the developers to persist in their invaluable
work without fear.
1: https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin
2: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2024/mar/14/australian-craig-wright-…
3: https://download.fsfe.org/legal/documents/first-instance-decision-dismissin…
4: https://opensource.org/license/MIT
5: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Tulip-v-Van-Der-Laan-ju…
6: https://download.fsfe.org/legal/documents/PRELIMINARY%20ISSUE%20TRIAL.pdf
== 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
= CRA & PLD: Liability rules with large exemptions for Free Software are introduced =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240312-01.es.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.es.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
= ¡Hagamos realidad la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos en Europa! =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240307-01.es.html ]
Con la entrada en vigor en el día de hoy de la Ley de Mercados
Digitales, la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos comienza a ser una
realidad tangible en la Unión Europea. Aunque la FSFE aplaude la nueva
ley, advierte de que este es solo el primer paso y que es necesario un
compromiso mayor.
Los dispositivos digitales se están convirtiendo en una herramienta cada
vez más importante en nuestras tareas diarias, ya que cada vez somos más
los que los utilizamos en diferentes ámbitos de nuestra vida. Sin
embargo, nosotros, como usuarios finales, estamos perdiendo el control
sobre ellos -especialmente la capacidad de ejecutar Software Libre-
debido a las prácticas desleales de fabricantes, vendedores y
plataformas de dispositivos.
La Neutralidad de los Dispositivos [1] pretende restaurar el control del
usuario final sobre los dispositivos garantizando la libertad del
software en los dispositivos, protegiéndoles de los bloqueos y
promoviendo su control sobre los datos en los dispositivos. Pretende
permitir a los usuarios finales ejecutar el software de su elección y
utilizar servicios independientemente del control ejercido por los
fabricantes de hardware, vendedores y plataformas, conocidos como
guardianes de acceso (gatekeepers, en inglés).
Algunos aspectos de la Neutralidad de Dispositivos se imponen a las
grandes empresas tecnológicas por la Ley de los Mercados Digitales
(Digital Markets Act o DMA por su siglas en inglés) [2], una ley
reciente de la UE que ha entrado en vigor el 7 de marzo, para
restablecer mayores grados de competencia en los mercados digitales. Por
lo tanto, la DMA será aplicable a seis guardianas [3]: Alphabet, Amazon,
Apple, Bytedance, Meta y Microsoft, respectivamente.
La FSFE ha estado involucrada con la DMA desde el proceso legislativo, y
da la bienvenida a su entrada en vigor, que hace que varios elementos de
la Neutralidad de Dispositivos sean legalmente exigibles. Sin embargo,
aunque la DMA representa un paso muy importante para responsabilizar a
los gatekeepers de sus perturbaciones y distorsiones negativas en los
mercados digitales, la ley por sí sola no es suficiente para promover la
Neutralidad de Dispositivos en la medida necesaria para volver a
empoderar el control del usuario final sobre los dispositivos.
== Ley de Mercados Digitales: apenas un primer paso hacia la neutralidad de los dispositivos ==
Inicialmente, la aplicación de la DMA será un reto, ya que la ley aborda
diversos aspectos de los dispositivos, como la (des)instalación de
software, el uso de tiendas de aplicaciones y sistemas de pago de
terceros, las obligaciones de interoperabilidad de los sistemas
operativos y las aplicaciones de mensajería, y cierto grado de
portabilidad de datos en tiempo real. Imponer obligaciones legales a
estos elementos exigirá considerables esfuerzos de ejecución y una
supervisión adecuada de las soluciones técnicas aplicadas por los
guardianes.
Además, al igual que en el caso de la Libertad del Router [4], en el que
los operadores de red crean diversas barreras y obstáculos para que los
usuarios finales ejerzan este derecho, los guardianes intentarán por
todos los medios evitar la aplicación de soluciones que beneficien
plenamente a los usuarios finales, utilizando la ley de forma que puedan
obstaculizar los derechos de los usuarios finales relacionados con la
Neutralidad de los Dispositivos. Por ejemplo, la empresa tecnológica
Apple -uno de los guardianes- ya ha acudido a los tribunales para eludir
las obligaciones de la DMA, y ha decidido aplicar una estrategia absurda
contra las tiendas de aplicaciones de terceros (PDF) [5] que repercutirá
negativamente en alternativas como F-Droid para entrar en entornos iOS.
Por estas razones, la FSFE se compromete a colaborar con la Comisión
Europea y otros reguladores para supervisar el cumplimiento de la DMA,
de modo que actúe como catalizador de la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos
en lugar de ser una barrera adicional a la misma.
"La DMA representa un paso audaz de la UE para regular a las grandes
empresas que actúan como guardianes de los dispositivos. Sin
embargo, la correcta aplicación de la ley será un reto, y requerirá
una estricta supervisión por parte de la sociedad civil para
salvaguardar la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos. Un Internet abierto
necesita Neutralidad de los Dispositivos. El Software Libre es clave
para conseguirlo".
-Lucas Lasota, Legal Programme Manager de la FSFE -
== Más allá de las grandes plataformas ==
La DMA se limita a las grandes empresas tecnológicas. La ley sólo se
aplica a las empresas que prestan servicios a un mínimo de 45 millones
de usuarios finales mensualmente activos, establecidos o ubicados en la
UE sobre una base anual. Junto con otras restricciones cuantitativas, la
ley salvaguarda la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos frente a un número
reducido de controladores. Esto no significa que las empresas más
pequeñas también puedan tener un comportamiento depredador contra la
Neutralidad de los Dispositivos, afectando negativamente a los derechos
de los usuarios finales. Sin embargo, no están cubiertas por la DMA.
Por ello, la FSFE promueve la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos en un
contexto mucho más amplio que incluya no sólo a las grandes empresas,
sino a cualquier fabricante, proveedor o plataforma de dispositivos.
Creemos firmemente que la libertad del software debe ser la norma por
defecto y que los usuarios finales no deben ser encarcelados. Las
empresas tecnológicas no deben atrapar a los usuarios en jardines
amurallados ("walled gardens") que limiten su autonomía en relación con
los dispositivos.
Paralelamente a su implicación con la DMA, la FSFE está lanzando una
nueva página web sobre la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos [6] con el fin
de concienciar al público sobre temas relacionados con la Neutralidad de
Dispositivos. Este sitio ofrece información detallada sobre la
Neutralidad de los Dispositivos y el Software Libre, material
promocional descargable y distintas formas de difundir el mensaje.
¡Visítela!
== Apoyo a la neutralidad de los dispositivos ==
Solamente se podrán alcanzar grados mayores de apertura e igualdad en
los mercados digitales cuando los usuarios finales puedan disfrutar de
libertad de software en sus dispositivos. La DMA es el primer paso, y la
FSFE continuará trabajando por la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos en
diferentes áreas: monitorizando la implementación de la DMA, vigilando
su cumplimiento, colaborando con reguladores y responsables políticos,
promoviendo la concienciación pública y expandiendo la agenda política
más allá de los guardianes. Para ello, contamos con su apoyo a nuestro
trabajo con una donación. Participe activamente y ayúdenos a recuperar
el control sobre sus dispositivos.
¡Quiero dona a la Neutralidad de los Dispositivos! [7]
1: https://deviceneutrality.org/
2: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32022R1925
3: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_4328
4: https://fsfe.org/activities/routers/routers.es.html
5: https://download.fsfe.org/device-neutrality/fsfe-apple-report-final.pdf
6: https://deviceneutrality.org/
7: https://my.fsfe.org/donate?referrer=https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-2024030…
== 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
= Interoperable Europe Act adopted, close monitoring vital =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240206-01.es.html ]
Today the Interoperable Europe Act has been adopted in plenary with 524
votes in favour, 18 against and 97 abstentions. Although some of the
potential of the regulation got undermined, the Act as a whole is an
important opportunity for Free Software and its community to contribute
to an interoperable Europe. The FSFE will closely monitor its
implementation.
Interoperability stands as a cornerstone in the establishment of a
seamlessly connected and digitalized infrastructure. Through the
Interoperable Europe Act, the EU is aiming to enhance interoperability
in cross-border digital public services. The FSFE has urged decision
makers to recognise the crucial role of Free Software and the expertise
of its community in achieving this goal in this regulation. As with our
Public Money? Pubic Code! Initiative [1], we have demanded decision
makers to acknowledge the role of Free Software in fostering digital
European public administrations while having control and sovereignty
over the software they are using and making sure that public funds are
spent in the most efficient way.
In spite of our efforts to integrate the Free Software community into
the decision making power body, the Interoperable Europe Board, decision
makers have opted to involve this community solely within the
Interoperable Europe Community. While this allows the community to
provide expertise, it underscores the importance of closely monitoring
the implementation of this regulation. Such monitoring helps identify
opportune moments for civil society, including the Free Software
community, to contribute effectively.
Beyond these limitations and some ambiguities in the wording in many
parts of the text (see Interoperable Europe Act: an ambition that turned
out to be watered-down [2] ), we welcome that decision makers have heard
some of our demands [3]. We managed to include provisions mandating the
European Commission to provide an annual report on the development of
Free Software interoperability solutions for public services, while
including requirements to set up actions in support of Free Software
interoperability solutions. These actions will be instrumental in
assessing the Act’s success in prioritising the use of Free Software and
will help us to keep being a watchdog on the matter.
/With the text now finalised, the most crucial phase of the regulation
begins - its implementation. We will monitor the implementation to make
sure that Free Software reaches its full potential as an enabler of
transparent, reusable and shareable solutions. We will also keep a close
watch for opportunities where the Free Software community can engage and
by providing its expertise support public administrations throughout the
EU in delivering Free Software interoperable digital services/ states
Lina Ceballos, FSFE Policy Project Manager.
1: https://publiccode.eu
2: https://fsfe.org/news/2023/news-20231113-01.es.html
3: https://fsfe.org/news/2023/news-20230323-02.es.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
The 2024 edition of the Youth Hacking 4 Freedom competition is about to
start! Registration is now open and the contest kicks off on 7 December!
Since the start of the competition in 2021 more than 150 teenagers have
already taken part in it. Youth Hacking 4 Freedom offers young
Europeans, between 14 and 18 years, the opportunity to design and
develop their own project using Free Software, and to win more than
€4000 and a weekend in Brussels.
Run by the Free Software Foundation Europe, Youth Hacking 4 Freedom
[yh4f.org] is a free competition for young Europeans that offers the
chance to work on their own projects, alone or in teams. The 6 winners
will receive a cash prize ranging from 1024 € to 4096 €. But at Youth
Hacking 4 Freedom everybody is getting something out of the competition.
Participants have the chance to meet our Free Software experts from the
jury as well as other teenagers from all over Europe and build
friendships that can last a lifetime.
“I wanted to create a privacy friendly version of ‘Kahoot!’
so students do not get tracked while using it, which I think
it is really important!" -Marlon, YH4F2023 winner -
“Since I had some experience in developing software and
using versioning tools like Git, I took the opportunity to
practice and improve my skills even further.(...) I also
learned a lot about decentralization and how to write good
documentation. Lastly, I was interested in meeting other
like-minded people, so I joined the Matrix channel and had a
lot of fun discussing topics related to Free Software”
-Konrad 2022 participant-
At Youth Hacking 4 Freedom, participants not only improve their
programming skills from beginner to advanced, but also learn how to work
on a 6-month project, developing organisation, time management and
project planning skills. It also gives them a chance to be creative and
develop something they really like, as well as the pride of developing
their own project.
You can find all the information in the YH4F media kit on our download
server:
https://download.fsfe.org/YH4F/Youth%20Hacking%204%20Freedom%20-%202024.pdf
Youth Hacking 4 Freedom in a nutshell.
• Participants must be born between 1 January 2004 and 31 December
2008.
• Participation is free, but registration is mandatory.
• Registration is open throughout the coding period:
https://survey.fsfe.org/index.php/658534
• The opening takes place on 7 December 2023.
• The coding period runs from 1 January to 30 June 2024.
• During the programming period, participants are free to attend
the monthly online meetings.
• The first, second and third place winners will receive €4,096,
€2,048 and €1,024 respectively. There will also be three special prizes
of €1,024. In total, around €10,000 will be awarded.
• Each participant who submits a project will also receive a
certificate of participation and a special prize.
• The competition will be conducted remotely, except for the award
ceremony, which will take place in Brussels during a weekend in October
2024 (to which the winners and a family member will be invited on an
all-expenses-paid basis).
For more information, please visit:https://yh4f.org or send an email to
contact at fsfe.org <https://lists.fsfe.org/mailman/listinfo/press-release> with YH4F in the subject line. You can also find more
information about the successful previous editions here:
https://fsfe.org/tags/tagged-yh4f.html and the media kit:
https://download.fsfe.org/YH4F/Youth%20Hacking%204%20Freedom%20-%202024.pdf
= Arranca 2024 Youth Hacking 4 Freedom =
[ Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2023/news-20231116-01.es.html ]
Abierto el plazo de inscripción para la edición de 2024 de Youth Hacking
4 Freedom, el concurso de programación para jóvenes europeos. Esta
competición ofrece a los adolescentes la oportunidad de desarrollar su
propio proyecto, individualmente o en equipo, entablar nuevas amistades
por toda Europa y ganar hasta 4.096 euros.
Tras dos exitosas ediciones, Youth Hacking 4 Freedom [1], el concurso de
programación para jóvenes europeos de la Free Software Foundation
Europe, abre el plazo de inscripción para su tercera convocatoria [2].
YH4F 2024 arranca el próximo 7 de diciembre con un evento online en el
se resolverán las dudas de los participantes antes de que comience el
periodo de codificación en enero de 2024. En total, se concederán más de
10.000 euros en metálico a los seis ganadores de la edición de 2024:
4096 euros irán a parar al primer puesto, 2048 euros al segundo, 1024
euros tanto para el tercero como para los premios especiales. Además,
todos los participantes que presenten un proyecto recibirán un premio
especial de participación YH4F.
El objetivo de este concurso es reunir a jóvenes de toda Europa
interesados en el mundo de la programación, independientemente de su
nivel actual. Durante seis meses, los participantes -que deben tener
entre 14 y 18 años en el momento de la inscripción- tendrán la
oportunidad de trabajar en su propio proyecto de Software Libre, ya sea
en solitario o en equipo.
Los participantes deberán inscribirse para poder participar en el
concurso, que dará su pistoletazo de salida el 7 de diciembre con un
evento en línea en el que se explicará el concurso en detalle. Este acto
inaugural es una gran oportunidad para que cualquiera que tenga dudas
sobre la participación obtenga respuesta a sus preguntas y entienda cómo
funciona este concurso y por qué cualquier persona, independientemente
de sus conocimientos de programación, es más que bienvenida a
participar.
Una vez que comience el periodo de codificación, el 1 de enero de 2024,
los participantes tendrán la oportunidad de trabajar en sus proyectos
durante los seis meses siguientes, hasta el 30 de junio de 2024, fecha
en la que deberán entregarlos. La inscripción tardía es posible, al
igual que cambiar la idea original del proyecto, pero el periodo de
codificación no se ampliará.
Durante estos seis meses, los participantes también tendrán la
oportunidad de conocer y entablar amistad con otros jóvenes europeos que
comparten sus mismos intereses y, muy probablemente, retos similares a
la hora de programar. Además, se celebrarán reuniones mensuales
optativas virtuales para guiarles a lo largo de este periodo de
codificación y para que aprendan a realizar con éxito un proyecto de
Software Libre, conozcan las experiencias de participantes anteriores y
reciban consejos de nuestros experimentados miembros del jurado.
En julio y agosto de 2024, un jurado internacional de expertos técnicos
revisará los proyectos y los ganadores serán notificados en septiembre
de 2024 y anunciados oficialmente durante el fin de semana de la
ceremonia de entrega de premios que se celebrará en Bruselas en octubre
de 2024.
=== Opening event – 7 December ===
En la página web de YH4F [3] encontrará más información sobre la
inscripción, el acto inaugural y el concurso en general. Si tiene alguna
pregunta, siempre puede ponerse en contacto con nosotros en
contact(a)fsfe.org.
=== Patrocina 2024 Youth Hacking 4 Freedom ===
La edición de2023 fue posible gracias a la generosa financiación de
Reinhard Wiesemann y Linuxhotel GmbH.
Si quieres patrocinar la edición de 2024, o futuras ediciones de YH4F,
ponte en contacto con nosotros a través de contact(a)fsfe.org [4].
1: https://yh4f.org
2: https://survey.fsfe.org/index.php/658534
3: https://yh4f.org
4: https://fsfe.org/mailto:contact@fsfe.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 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