Questa pagina non è ancora stata tradotta. Per favore aiutaci a
tradurre questa ed altre pagine su fsfe.org, affinché le persone possano leggere
i nostri messaggi nelle propria lingua madre.
Device Neutrality
Although digital devices are ubiquitous today, the number of devices on
which users cannot run Free Software is exponentially increasing. The
consequence is an increased loss of control over users' technology.
Device Neutrality aims to enable end-users to bypass gatekeepers to have
a non-discriminatory use of Free Software on their devices.
We all know the joy of acquiring a new device and the excitement of exploring
its features and functionalities. Let's imagine the scenario where you
bought a new smartphone.
You are thrilled to learn and discover all that your device can deliver.
You want to install apps, use the camera, access the internet,
run games, and enjoy all what your equipment can perform.
However, soon you start to realise that something is wrong. In
order to start your phone, you are prompted to create an online account
for using the device.
Further, you begin to perceive how limited you are in downloading and installing new apps and
programs. The only possible way is via the manufacturer's apps store or marketplace.
You may be even forbidden to sideload or install third party software,
including alternative repositories.
Most weirdly, you are not allowed to remove pre-installed programs that are
occupying the device's memory space and unduly draining its battery.
You may think this is an issue with the operating system and start searching
for alternatives. However, your device boots only a specific fully or partly proprietary operating
system. In other words, you cannot install a different operating system. Finally, you sadly realise
that although your smartphone is a general purpose computer, you are stuck with an
artificially limited device which performs much less than you expected.
Limitations to Free Software, vendor lock-in, and lack of control over personal
data are current hurdles faced by end-users in digital markets.
Issues like these, and many others related to browsers, search engines, and
hardware, are a common occurrence in digital markets. End-users are experiencing
a severe limitation on their rights and ability to freely use their devices.
Basic freedoms such as installing and uninstalling software are being unfairly limited
by these companies, commonly referred to as "gatekeepers", because of their
monopolistic control over devices.
Device Neutrality is a policy concept to enable end-users to bypass gatekeepers
in order to run Free Software and use services independently of the control
exercised by hardware manufacturers, vendors, and platforms. On this page
you will learn that Device Neutrality can be achieved by safeguarding
software freedom in devices, protecting end-users from lock-in,
and promoting standardised ways of data interoperability.
General Purpose Computers and Free Software
Digital devices are a present reality in all aspects of life. We use them
for work, communication, entertainment, and internet access. Such devices
are powerful machines, allowing us to have access to a huge number of
features and perform an almost infinite number of tasks. Our smartphones,
tablets, laptops, and other connected devices are general purpose
computers. That means we can potentially run any software we want to
make full use of the hardware. This potential is fostered by Free Software.
Software freedom depends on how we can run
software in devices. Safeguarding the four freedoms of Free Software
over operating systems, drivers, app stores, browsers, and any other software is
crucial not only for freedom of choice, but also for a healthy,
competitive, democratic and sustainable
digital environment.
Everyone should be able to run the software they want on their general purpose computers.
Gatekeeper Monopoly over Devices
Although the devices we use are general purpose computers, device
manufacturers, vendors, and internet platforms have been restricting
software freedom by exercising their monopolistic control over end-user
equipment. This power is used over key features and components of
devices such as operating systems, browsers, and app stores. Since these elements
are essential for the functioning of devices, they constitute a
termination monopoly, which grants such companies powers in the
sense that they could be considered "gatekeepers of gateways" for
end-users to access and control software, hardware, and services of their devices.
Manufacturers, vendors, and platforms controlling devices may
perform a gatekeeper function in similar ways to a provider of
an internet access connection controlling a gateway to the internet. The more
important the device features and components are for end-users, the more
entrenched the position of the gatekeeper can become in the digital markets.
Monopolised markets are prejudicial to fair competition
and consumer welfare. With gatekeepers controlling operating systems,
app stores, browsers, and key online services, end-users are left
with no or few choices, hindering individual freedoms and self-determination.
In general terms, gatekeeper control is achieved by:
Restricting Software Freedom: Gatekeepers limit or prevent users
installing different operating systems, browsers, app stores, drivers,
etc. on their devices. They also impose pre-installed apps on users, and
make their uninstallation impossible.
Locking devices down: Such companies hinder
interoperability, exercise tight control over APIs, and apply proprietary
standards, hampering functionalities and blocking access to drivers and
hardware.
Increasing switching costs: Gatekeepers keep users
in "walled gardens", tie devices to online accounts, bundle app stores,
and hamper data portability, making it harder for users to switch
software, devices, and services.
Gatekeepers' power over devices: restricting software freedom, locking devices down, and increasing switching costs.
Iscriviti ai nostri aggiornamenti per email. I nostri esperti ti
informeranno sulle notizie più recenti, gli eventi, le attività e su come partecipare (la nostra Privacy Policy).
Device Neutrality and Free Software
The monopolistic power of gatekeepers threatens software freedom, individual
autonomy, consumer welfare, and digital sovereignty. Device Neutrality
represents ways to disintermediate the power of gatekeepers and re-establish
competition in markets and end-user control over devices. Users should be
able to bypass gatekeepers and have the ability to run Free Software on
their equipment. Device Neutrality's main goal is to resolve the
termination monopoly over devices, so users can enjoy software freedom and
have access to alternative services and content with their devices.
Re-establishing end-user control over devices and fair competition in digital
markets requires safeguarding software freedom in devices, protecting end-users
from lock-in, and promoting end-user control over data.
Software Freedom
Blocking end-users' freedom to install, run, and uninstall software on
their devices is a central source of gatekeepers' control. Although gatekeepers may
argue that installing third party software could be potentially harmful to users due to
security, data integrity, and privacy concerns, in fact commercial
interests are the main drive to lock users in.
Instead, regaining control over devices requires safeguarding
software freedom. Users should have the ability to install and
uninstall any software, including operating systems and app
stores. Besides, gatekeepers should provide the same access
privileges to third party applications as to the pre-installed ones.
No Lock-In
Keeping users in very restrictive
environments is another key source of gatekeeper control. Users can only
access and use different services if their devices can interact and
communicate with other devices and services. Big tech industry players exercise direct
control over their customers by locking them into a very limited number
of proprietary alternatives that operate within a "compatible" but not
interoperable ecosystem. This results in less freedom for users and
increasing switching costs.
Therefore, high degrees of interoperability, wide implementation
of Open
Standards, and easy access to APIs' specifications and
functionalities invoked by third party apps are fundamental.
Equally important, devices should not be bundled with app stores
and online accounts. Gatekeepers should permit third-party app
stores and code repositories in their devices. Gatekeepers should
provide non-discriminatory access to Free Software in their
stores, and not favour or give undue preference to their own
products.
End-User Control Over Data
Breaking monopolies over
devices necessarily requires empowering users to control their own data
on their equipment. Smartphones, smartwatches, and computers are very personal
equipment which accumulate a large amount of personal and non-personal
data that users care about. Transferring such data constitutes a switching cost that
can be decisive in preventing users from exercising their freedom to
change devices. This is especially problematic for switching between
operating systems. Besides, the importance of the correlation between
data and software tends to grow, encompassing further developments with
artificial intelligence and future technologies, which will create an
additional layer of complexity for end-users controlling their data.
That's why end-users should be able to easily transfer personal
data from apps, operating systems, and devices. Most importantly,
gatekeepers should be bound to Open Standards and
common interfaces for data transfer.
Making Device Neutrality a Reality
Since its genesis, the FSFE has been working to put control over
technology in the hands of users. Through the years, we have gained
experience with several dedicated activities focused on how users can keep
their control over devices. We have been working closely with decision makers,
communities, and businesses to ensure that end-users are empowered to control
technology. Our work has been translating the demands for Device Neutrality into
a vivid reality for digital markets with several dedicated activities and
initiatives.
Digital Markets Act
In 2022, several components of Device Neutrality were included in the
Digital Markets Act (DMA),
the European Union's largest initiative to regulate gatekeepers in digital
markets. Although the law contains the principles for making Device
Neutrality a reality, its regulations concern only very large platforms.
The DMA establishes obligations for gatekeepers - “dos” and “don'ts” they
must comply with - and prescribes fines and penalties for infringements.
The DMA encompasses several rules concerning Device Neutrality, including
safeguarding the right to uninstall pre-installed software and several
measures for preventing lock-in, as well as fostering interoperability and
end-user control over personal data.
EU Court Case: Holding Apple accountable under the DMA
The FSFE is intervening for Free Software in a key court case involving Apple and the European Commission.
Apple is trying to avoid obligations derived from the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
The FSFE seeks to hold Apple accountable under the DMA in a developer-friendly way.
Initiatives for Device Neutrality
Device ecosystems are extremely complex, and enforcing Device Neutrality
requires dedicated initiatives focusing on specific aspects of how end-users
use and interact with devices. Through the years, our activities have related
to several components of Device Neutrality, such as promoting software freedom,
protecting end-users from lock-in, and fostering self-empowerment related to
personal data.
DMA
The Digital Markets Act (DMA)
is a game-changer for regulating gatekeepers. Its rules pertain to several
aspects of Device Neutrality. The FSFE collaborated in the legislative
process and is closely following its implementation.
Router Freedom
Router Freedom is the right
everyone has to choose and use their own routers and modems. The FSFE has been
working for a decade to make this right a reality.
Upcycling Android
Free Software helps to extend the lifespan of devices. With Upcycling Android
we are promoting sustainable ways to overcome software obsolescence in
the Android world.
Radio Lockdown Directive
EU legislation can sometimes create hurdles for the usage of Free Software
in radio devices. We are promoting better policy and legislative solutions
for end-users of radio equipment.
People should be in control of technology. Help us to make Device
Neutrality a reality!
Nevertheless, although the Device Neutrality principles may seem common
knowledge for the Free Software community, they are far from being current
commercial practices by gatekeepers. Monitoring enforcement of and
compliance with the DMA, conducting device-related activities, and
promoting software freedom require a lot of resources.
Please consider becoming a FSFE
donor; you enable our long-term engagement and
professional commitment in defending people's rights to control
technology.
Dive with us into the inner workings of the European Parliament and learn about their approach on technological sovereignty. In this 34th episode of the Software Freedom
Podcast Alex and Bonnie discuss the current debate in the European Union and pay special attention to the current European technological sovereignty and digital infrastructure INI.
As a general rule, software source code is protected
by copyright by default. Copyright holders create Free Software by
applying a Free Software license to their code. Creative works,
such as source code, nevertheless must
be sufficiently original in nature before they can be protected by
copyright. Exactly what is this “threshold of originality”, and are
there types of code that are not automatically
protected by copyright?
In April, our work on Device Neutrality continued with news and
meetings on DMA; we had a PMPC meeting in Germany and talked about the
German coalition agreement in one of our Podcast episodes; we also held
our annual Legal & Licensing Workshop; and we published another
article in our Legal Corner.
A new release of the Webpreview tool is here! This is our in-house Free
Software preview tool for FSFE webpages. It supports our amazing
volunteers in translating, and checking website content. Our latest
update integrates LibreTranslate, providing a helpful starting point to
speed up the translation process.
The Free Software
Legal & Licensing Workshop convened once again, this time in Essen,
bringing together over 100 legal and compliance
professionals, technologists, and policy experts from across the globe.
The 2025 edition delved into the evolving
legal landscapes impacting Free Software, with a particular focus on
Artificial Intelligence and cybersecurity.
If you like programming, tinkering, having fun with software and if you are up for a challenge, we have something exciting for you: "Youth Hacking 4 Freedom" (YH4F),
the FSFE's hacking competition for young people from Europe! On top you can win up to €4096 and a trip to Brussels for the award ceremony!
The programming period of this year's YH4F round runs from 1 January to 30 June 2025. Teenagers between 14 and 18 years and living in Europe are welcome to join the competition.
You can register for free.
40 years of software freedom and the FSF: join the celebrations in Warsaw, Poland
18:00 – 21:00 UTC
29 May 2025
The FSFE is joining the celebrations of its sister organisation, the Free Software Foundation, and its 40 years of commitment to software freedom.
On 29 May, members of the FSFE will join the local celebrations in Warsaw (Poland). The event will include various activities to learn about what Free Software is and the work of the FSF over the last 40 years. A panel discussion on software freedom and machine learning will be held, and Gabriel Ku Wei Bin, FSFE Legal Programme Manager, will be among the panellists.
This celebration will take place from 18:00-21:00 CET, in the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) room 256.
"Participation is gratis but you will be required to register when entering the Library. Registration starts at 17:30 CET.
Some more data protection-related information is at: https://libreplanet.org/wiki/FSF40/meetups#Poland
Siamo entusiasti di lanciare Refund4Freedom, una nuova campagna che difende il tuo diritto di scegliere il sistema operativo e ottenere il rimborso per i software preinstallati che non utilizzi.
Ti aspettiamo il 29 maggio 2025 per l'evento di lancio di questa importante iniziativa a favore della neutralità dei dispositivi, dei diritti dei consumatori e della libertà del software. Scopri come puoi agire, raccontare la tua esperienza, partecipare e aiutare a spingere i produttori verso pratiche più eque e trasparenti. Difendiamo insieme la nostra libertà!
👉 Per partecipare, registrati al link qui sotto.
Ada & Zangemann day in Pesaro, Italia
08:30 – 11:00 UTC
30 May 2025
(English below)
Evento conclusivo del progetto "seidiciannovesimi" cofinanziato da Wikimedia Italia e Free Software Foundation Europe, con lettura di Ada & Zangemann seguito da laboratori di robotica educativa.
Si terrà venerdì, 30 maggio 2025 presso l'aula magna del Liceo Scientifico "Guglielmo Marconi", via Nanterre, 10, 61122, Pesaro.
Se interverrete ci farà piacere. Non vi sono costi di registrazione. Se portate bambini, sappiate che saranno presenti giornalisti di televisioni e quotidiani locali.
La giornata sarà così scandita:
— 8.30 saluti del dirigente scolastico
— 8.40 lettura di Ada & Zangemann
— 9.15 primo laboratorio di robotica educativa
— 10.00 secondo laboratorio di robotica educativa
— 10.45 gelato al lampone per tutti
L'evento è organizzato da Giacomo Alessandroni, che leggerà il libro e animerà i laboratori di robotica educativa, insieme ai suoi studenti che saranno adottati dai bimbi piccoli.
La lingua ufficiale dell'incontro è l'italiano.
Vi aspettiamo!
---
Final event of the ‘6/19’ project co-funded by Wikimedia Italia and Free Software Foundation Europe, with a reading of Ada & Zangemann tale followed by educational robotics workshops.
It will be held on Friday, 30 May 2025 at the Liceo Scientifico ‘Guglielmo Marconi’, via Nanterre, 10, 61122, Pesaro.
We would be pleased if you would attend. There is no registration fee. If you bring children, please be aware that journalists from local television stations and newspapers will be present.
The day will be scheduled as follows
— 8.30 greetings by the school headmaster
— 8.40 reading of Ada & Zangemann
— 9.15 first educational robotics workshop
— 10.00 second educational robotics workshop
— 10.45 Raspberry ice cream for everyone
The event is organised by Giacomo Alessandroni, who will read the book and animate the educational robotics workshops, together with his students who will be adopted by the young children.
Lucas Lasota, FSFE programme manager, will be at T-DOSE 2025 in Eindhoven (The Netherlands) on May 31 and June 1. On May 31, from 15:00 to 15:50 (CEST), he will give a talk about "Shaping the future of the Internet with Free Software," entangling FSFE's work on device neutrality and Free Software and AI and presenting the Next Generation Internet initiative.