FREE SOFTWARE MOTION

The assembly recognises that:

• Much of the executive’s daily business requires the use of computer software which is “non-free”, according to the Free software foundation (FSF) this means 4 basic rights are denied. These rights are:

The freedom to run the program for any purpose

The freedom to study how the program works, and change it to make it do what you wish.

The freedom to redistribute and make copies so you can help your neighbour.

The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements (and modified versions in general) to the public, so that the whole community benefits.

• Free software does not refer to monetarily free, instead, the freedom to use and distribute the software. Non-free software may be given away at no cost, however if it does not meet the above criteria, it is still non-free and an instrument of control.

• Ultimately, the use of non-free software allows corporations backdoors into highly sensitive public information.

• Use, for example of the non-free operating system “Windows” can lead to security issues which have went unfixed.

• The US National Security Agency have been known to exploit backdoors in non-free software to spy on citizens outside the US.

• Non-free software controls it’s users, hence a corporation who creates said non-free software will control the executive and it’s public services.

Therefore, the assembly will:

• Seek alternatives to current proprietary software within the executive.

• Stop the dependence on Microsoft windows Within the public service, instead using a Linux based operating system.

• Implement teaching of free software in schools.

• Release all in house software (within reason) under any of the following free licenses:

The GNU General public license (GPL) versions 2.1 to 3.

The GNU Lesser general public license (LGPL) versions 2.1 to 3.

The Apache 2.0 license.

The MIT (Expat) license.

The “Unlicense” (releases code into the public domain).

• Pledge to replace or remove all proprietary software from public organisations by 2025.

This motion was written and submitted by /u/NoHopeForTheJourney on behalf of the Free software lobby (FSL).

This vote ends on the 3rd of August at 10PM.