Become an FSFE supporter today so we reach our long term vision that:

  • Everyone has the right to remove and install any software on any of their devices!
  • All public funding for software is used for Free Software only!
  • All regulatory frameworks encourage the use and development of Free Software.
  • Licensing and legal decisions are based on facts, rather than fear, uncertainty, and doubt.
  • Young people have the opportunity to tinker, experiment and code with Free Software as the default.

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From July 6-11, 2013, several thousand people will come to Brussels from all over Europe to participate in the Libre Software meeting (RMLL), one of Europe's largest conferences for Free Software developers, technology entrepreneurs and civil society activists. On July 9 FSFE organises a discussion panel on Technology, Power and Freedom with some of the world's foremost advocates of digital freedom and leading members of the European Parliament (MEP) on digital issues.

Participants will be Karsten Gerloff (FSFE), Eben Moglen (Columbia University), Judith Sargentini (MEP Greens/EFA), Christel Schaldemose (MEP S&D -tbc), Richard M Stallman (FSF), Nils Torvalds (MEP ALDE), Ioannis A. Tsoukalas (MEP EPP).

Language of the discussion: English
Location: Université Libre de Bruxelles, Room K.1.105
Date and time: Tuesday July the 9th, 11:00-12:20

Abstract

As lawmakers are grappling with the multitude of changes brought about by technology and the Internet, they often face pressure to restrict the potential of the Internet in the name of security. Digital activists are attacking censorship, building distributed networks, and writing software that enables them to be in full control of their own computers.

How can we use Free Software to build strong democratic institutions?
How can we get better at sharing knowledge for progress?
Are citizens naked and alone in the age of "cloud computing"?
What rules do we need to secure freedom in the digital society?