Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE)

fsfe.orgEuropean teenagers build their own tech: 6 winners of programming competition awarded - FSFEMore than 85 teenagers from 21 countries took part in Youth Hacking 4 Freedom 2026, with six winners who created solutions ranging from a scientific graphi...

#YH4F 2026 winners🏆 want to control their technology! They developed: 🔸a graphic calculator 🔹a solution for reducing food waste 🔸a project supporting local communities 🔹 a tool to build your own trackers 🔸 a music-learning tool 🔹a decentralised search engine More: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

14 Sept

#Android is a cornerstone of #FreeSoftware on phones, but only community distributions put you in control. Which one is better for you? Check out our reports about some of several of them 🤖 We are staring looking at @lineageos.org: fsfe.org/activities/a... #SoftwareFreedom #FreeYourAndroid

22 Sept

The next review in our #FreeYourAndroid series on #Android distributions is about #iodéOS from iode . iodéOS is based on #LineageOS and comes with a built-in network blocker, call spam blocker, and parental controls. How does it fit your daily life? Go check it out! 🚀 fsfe.org/activities/a...

fsfe.orgCopyrightability of LLM-generated code: Can we license “vibe code” into Free Software? - FSFEThe use of large language models (“LLMs”) has exploded in recent years, including in the generation of source code. But even as their usage gains popularit...

25 Aug

Are you using LLMs to write #FreeSoftware? Find out whether your software is copyrightable, when you can license it, and what risks it may pose to maintainers. Our new Legal Corner explains what you need to consider: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne... #Copyright #OpenSource #LLM #AI #VibeCoding

#Apple has announced new terms for alternative app distribution in the EU (18 August 2026). The reduction of fees is welcome, but the core problems for smaller developers and #FreeSoftware remain there. 🧵A thread on why we're still concerned about #DMA compliance.🧵

article19.orgarticle19.org

These concerns were already raised in a complaint to the European Commission filed by @freiheitsrechte.org and @article19.bsky.social, which the FSFE contributed to. www.article19.org/wp-content/u...

We urge the @ec.europa.eu to scrutinise Apple's announcement closely and reject it as non-compliant with the #DMA.

On top of that, every developer still needs an Apple Developer Account just to distribute software at all, no matter the channel.

A fee waiver could help not-for-profit projects. But it changes nothing about notarization, developer accounts, or entry thresholds. For #FreeSoftware, this is not the substantial shift the #DMA should deliver, and we have been highlighting this in our report. doi.org/10.5281/zeno...

doi.orgdoi.org

Once notarized, Apple encrypts the binary. Nobody can run, inspect, or share that software freely. This makes it impossible to distribute #FreeSoftware apps, as the freedoms cannot be guaranteed.

Entry barriers for developers stay high: despite a waiver for not for profit projects, to open an alternative marketplace you need financial guarantees worth up to €1 million, or must already reach 1 million first annual installs. Small projects rarely meet either bar.

The biggest issue: #notarization. Every app must pass Apple's automatic and human review before it can run on iOS, even when distributed outside the App Store, via an alternative marketplace or a website. No channel escapes Apple's gatekeeping.

fsfe.orgBack from our FSFE25 celebrations with news about EIF and the DMA - FSFEAugust is here and after our FSFE 25 years celebration, we are already working on our next projects! While we are still enjoying the wonderful "hangover" o...

11 Aug

Our August Newsletter is here!🚀 While we are still enjoying the wonderful "hangover" of #FSFE25 celebration,in the last weeks we have also got positive news on the #DMA and the Apple litigation, we submitted our proposal to the new #EIF... Read more! fsfe.org/news/nl/nl-2... #SoftwareFreedom

28 July

On July 2, the EU Court of Justice delivered its final judgment in the Google #Android antitrust case, making the General Court's penalty definitive. Meanwhile, Google's planned Android developer verification will reshape how software is distributed on Android.🧵

techpolicy.pressGoogle Android Antitrust Ruling Shows the Next Battle is Over Who Controls TrustEurope's top court upheld Google's Android antitrust penalty, but the bigger battle may now be over who governs trust in the Android ecosystem.

28 July

👇 We wrote an analysis for @techpolicypress.bsky.social on how these developments could impact #FreeSoftware app stores and operating systems: www.techpolicy.press/google-andro...

fsfe.orgLegal Corner: How Apple’s attack on interoperability failed - FSFE8 July 2026 marks a significant milestone in the fight for interoperability and software freedom, for both developers and users: the Court of Justice of th...

27 July

What does exactly mean that the @eucourtofjustice.bsky.social 🧑‍⚖️ dismissed Apple’s challenge against its designation under the #DMA? What was Apple trying to do and why is this judgment important for #SoftwareFreedom? ⚖️ In our #LegalCorner article we explain this case: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

fsfe.orgApple held accountable under the DMA - A victory for developers and computer users! - FSFEThe Court of Justice of the European Union has rejected Apple's challenge to the interoperability obligations under the Digital Markets Act. The Court also...

8 July

⚠️ Breaking News! The @eucourtofjustice.bsky.social ruled today that Apple must comply with interoperability obligations under the #DMA The Court also confirmed the App Store as a core platform service. A victory for developers, computer users and #SoftwareFreedom! 🚀 fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

EU Court of Justice@eucourtofjustice.bsky.social

#EUGeneralCourt dismisses @Apple’s actions regarding its designation as a gatekeeper in relation to the App Store and iOS #DMA 👉 curia.europa.eu/site/upload/...

curia.europa.eucuria.europa.eu

engineeringkiosk.dev#274 Openwashing: Wenn Open Source nicht wirklich offen ist - mit Johannes Näder - Engineering KioskOpen Source draufschreiben und digitale Souveränität dazu sagen, fertig? Leider nicht. Gerade jetzt, wo Behörden, Unternehmen und Politik verstärkt über freie Software, Public Money, Public Code und e...

1 July

Was ist #Openwashing? Warum unterminiert es digitale Souveränität? Im Podcast @engineeringkiosk.dev zeigt @johasjaguar.bsky.social die Tricks der Openwasher und wie wir #FreieSoftware schützen können. Hier geht's zur Folge: engineeringkiosk.dev/episodes/274 #FreeSoftware #OpenSource #PublicCode

Engineering Kiosk - Podcast, Meetups + Community@engineeringkiosk.dev

Wenn auf einer Produktseite groß Open Source steht, heißt das leider noch nicht viel. Mit @johasjaguar.bsky.social von der @fsfe.org sprechen wir über Openwashing, die vier Freiheiten und woran du Mogelpackungen erkennst. Worauf achtest du zuerst? 🎧 engineeringkiosk.dev/episodes/274

fsfe.orgEU Tech Sovereignty: A milestone for Public Code? Now implementation is key - FSFEThe European Commission published its Technological Sovereignty Package on 3 June 2026, containing the new "Open Source Strategy". If implemented, it could...

3 June

Today, the @ec.europa.eu released its new #TechSovereignty Package. This could mark a milestone for Free Software in Europe: it recognises “Public Money? #PublicCode!” and introduces #FreeSoftwareFirst. Now we need implementation - and long-term funding for #FreeSoftware! fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

gov.ukAI, open code and vulnerability risk in the public sectorGuidance for safely publishing source code in the open, and reducing the risk of AI-accelerated vulnerability discovery.

20 May

#NHS England made its public code repos private by default, against warnings from the #FreeSoftware community and the @fsfe.org The UK Digital Service has now confirmed: hiding publicly funded code reduces scrutiny, reuse & trust www.gov.uk/guidance/ai-... Reverse course. Implement #PublicCode

fsfe.orgDMA: The FSFE intervenes against Apple before European Court of Justice for the second time - FSFEThe Free Software Foundation Europe has been granted permission to intervene at the Court of Justice of the European Union in the case T-359/25 - Apple aga...

19 May

Aware of Apple's attempts to dodge its #DMA obligations? 👀 The FSFE's been granted permission to intervene at the @eucourtofjustice.bsky.social for second time, backing the @ec.europa.eu on a case that will test the EU’s interoperability obligations under the #DMA: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

fsfe.orgLLW 2026: opening legal conversations at the heart of Berlin - FSFEBerlin hosted the Free Software Legal & Licensing Workshop 2026, bringing together over 100 legal and compliance professionals, technologists, and policy e...

27 Apr

This year the members of the Legal Network came to Berlin for LLW 2026. But... what is LLW? Spoiler: +100 legal & compliance professionals, technologists, and policy experts gathered in Berlin to tackle some of the hottest topics in #FreeSoftware licensing. Find out more: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

publiccode.euhttps://publiccode.eu/en/

14 Apr

If it’s funded with public money, it should be public code. Do you agree? ✍️ Sign the open letter 📢 Share it with your network 🏛️ Call on decision-makers to invest in public code 💻 publiccode.eu #PublicCode #DigitalSovereignty #FreeSoftware

fsfe.org450 FSFE supporters affected: Payment provider Nexi cancelled us - FSFEOur long-term payment provider Nexi has terminated our contract without prior notice. As a result, our supporters’ recurring credit card and direct debit d...

17 Mar

⚠️450 FSFE supporters affected: Payment provider Nexi cancelled us⚠️ Our payment provider terminated our contract without notice. Our supporters’ recurring credit card and direct debit donations have been halted by them. This affects more than 450 FSFE supporters. See more: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) reposted

SIN - Studio im Netz

@studioimnetz.bsky.social

10 Mar

last call: Anmeldungen für das #git26 sind noch bis Fr, 13.03., 12 Uhr möglich! www.gautinger-internettreffen.de Thema am 24. & 25.03.: „Digital und selbstbestimmt. Wege zur souveränen Mediennutzung in #Jugendarbeit, #Schule und #Medienpädagogik" /w @wikimediade.bsky.social @fsfe.org

download.fsfe.orgdownload.fsfe.org

3 Mar

Check out our views on Apple’s proposed “interoperability commitments” under the #DMCCA. Such commitments will deem interoperability ineffective, entrenching #Apple's monopolistic power in #UK. 📝 Our full submission to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority: download.fsfe.org/campaigns/de...

keepandroidopen.orgAn Open Letter to Google regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Android App DistributionOpen Letter to Google Regarding Mandatory Developer Registration for Third-Party App Distribution

#KeepAndroidOpen The FSFE signed an open letter addressed to Sundar Pichai, CEO of #Google, regarding Google's announced policy requiring all #Android app developers to register centrally with Google to distribute applications outside the Google Play Store. keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/

🫵 What you can do - Read and share the open letter: keepandroidopen.org/open-letter/ - If you are part of an organisation, join the signatories from across civil society, #FreeSoftware communities, and industry.

🙌 Please help so that Google also understands it is not in its interest to jeopardise its own success in mobile by making Android unfriendly to developers who care about #softwarefreedom #KeepAndroidOpen

❌️ It raises barriers for small and volunteer projects, like F-Droid, and increases the risk of surveillance, censorship, and arbitrary bans against privacy‑protecting and critical apps.

📢 What we ask Google: - End mandatory developer registration for third‑party apps. - Engage openly with civil society, #FreeSoftware groups, and regulators. - Commit to platform neutrality so Google’s #Android stewardship doesn’t clash with its business interests.

🧐 Google’s plan would mean that all personal data of #FreeSoftware app developers on Android would end up with Google, even apps distributed outside the Play Store, by forcing developers to register and hand over ID.

fsfe.orgDigital Networks Act: the FSFE calls for strong and consistent protection of Router Freedom - FSFEFor more than a decade, the Free Software Foundation Europe has worked to protect Router Freedom in Europe. The European Union is about to reform the telec...

19 Feb

#DigitalNetworksAct: the FSFE calls for strong and consistent protection of #RouterFreedom across all Member States. fsfe.org/news/2026/ne...

19 Feb

For more than a decade, the Free Software Foundation Europe has worked to protect #RouterFreedom in Europe. The European Union is about to reform the telecom sector with the proposed #DigitalNetworksAct. We call for a clear and harmonised approach that upholds this freedom across all Member States

download.fsfe.orgdownload.fsfe.org

19 Feb

We also submitted our position on #RouterFreedom to the @ec.europa.eu's consultation on the #DNA. 💻 Read it here: download.fsfe.org/policy/route...

Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) reposted

openSUSE

@opensuse.org

13 Feb

Celebrating I Love Free Software Day #IloveFS. A big thank you to #SUSE for helping support these #OpenSource #software events. #SUSECares fsfe.org/activities/i...

fsfe.orgI Love Free Software Day - FSFEOn the annual “I Love Free Software Day” we express our gratitude to all Free Software contributors. Join this special event and become part of a lovely community! #ilovefs

Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) reposted

Internet Archive Europe

@internetarchive.eu

14 Feb

We are ready for I ❤️ Free Software Day #ilovefs in Amsterdam! Looking forward to a wonderful double event with FSFE and Bonfire. @tommi.space @mayel.bonfire.cafe.ap.brid.gy @fsfe.org

14 Feb

Happy I ❤️ Free Software Day! 🎉 ✨ Huge thanks to all developers, contributors, maintainers & advocates who are behind the #FreeSoftware tools we use in our daily lives! What is your favourite project? Do not forget so say #ThankYou! fsfe.org/activities/i...

gitlab.opencode.deFree Software Foundation Europe: Digitale Souveränität durch Freie Software (Feedback Deutschland-Stack 2. Konsultation) (#624) · Issues · Deutschland-Stack / D-Stack Home · GitLabZiel der zweiten Konsultation zum Deutschland-Stack ist die Unterstützung der in der förderalen Modernisierungsagenda geforderten Festlegung der Standards und Governance. Diese Stellungnahme bezieht s...

13 Feb

A sovereign stack requires #FreeSoftware. It’s not about where software is developed, but whether everyone may use, study, share, and improve it. Our feedback on the second #DeutschlandStack consultation (German): gitlab.opencode.de/dstack/d-sta... #DigitalSovereignty #PublicCode #OpenSource

fsfe.orgFrom FOSDEM to "I ❤️ Free Software Day”: community, policy, and the freedom to study code - FSFEFebruary is a reminder of why our Free Software community matters and why it's such a joy to be part of it. After FOSDEM, we are now looking ahead to the c...

10 Feb

FSFE Newsletter 🚀 February reminds us why our #FreeSoftware community rocks! 🎊 After #FOSDEM, it's time for the #ilovefs day ❤️! Catch up with our latest episodes of the #SoftwareFreedom Podcast 🎧 and a Legal Corner article 💻 fsfe.org/news/nl/nl-2...

Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) reposted

EuroPython 2026, Kraków

@europython.eu

26 Jan

Call for Proposals is OPEN! 🚀 We want YOUR ideas in Kraków! ✨ 👉 Check it out: programme.europython.eu

fsfe.orgThe social value of the freedom to study source code in the Spanish Court - FSFEWhile copyright and licensing currently form the core legal structures that support Free Software, a September 2025 ruling from the Spanish Supreme Court p...

5 Feb

⚖️ New Legal Corner Article ⚖️ We look at the Spanish ruling that sets a key precedent for transparency in source code and algorithms, supporting the Freedom to Study. fsfe.org/news/2026/ne... Thanks to @civio.es for their outstanding work! #SoftwareFreedom #FreeSoftware #transparency

ec.europa.euCommission opens proceedings to assist Google in complying with interoperability and online search data sharing obligations under the Digital Markets ActToday, the European Commission has started two sets of specification proceedings to assist Google in complying with its obligations under the Digital Markets Act (‘DMA\'). The specification proceeding...

Today, @ec.europa.eu opened a process under the #DMA to regulate how #Google handles #interoperability within #Android. The FSFE has been working intensively over the last two years to improve DMA interoperability against gatekeepers like #Apple and Google. ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

The @ec.europa.eu decision is a sign of progress in enforcing #interoperability obligations. Taken together, such regulatory procedures should make interoperability effective, so #FreeSoftware developers have a chance to participate and innovate in digital markets.

We will monitor how the @ec.europa.eu implements the #DMA #interoperability rules further, ensuring DMA enforcement is #FreeSoftware friendly.

In June, at the workshop on #Google's #DMA compliance, we raised issues related to #interoperability. Similar problems #FreeSoftware developers are facing with #Apple, like discretionary power to deny interoperability, lack of transparency, and anti-competitive practices. fsfe.org/news/2025/ne...

fsfe.orgfsfe.org

techpolicy.pressMaking the Digital Markets Act Developer-FriendlyBig Tech restrictions on app stores and operating systems put small developers at risk, write Lucas Lasota, Dario Presutti and Jithendra Palepu.

This autumn, we took part in a soon-to-be-published study regarding #Google’s control over #interoperability in #AOSP. In particular, the study focused on how the company's limiting access to critical interoperability can hinder Free Software projects. www.techpolicy.press/making-the-d...

fsfe.orgAda & Zangemann available to pre-order in Dutch - FSFEThe first storytale about digital sovereignty is now also available to pre-order in Dutch. This effort involved a lot of work by our volunteer Nico Rikken ...

8 Jan

🚨 Ada pre-order alert! Want to read the insightful story of "Ada & Zangemann" in Dutch? Thanks to the awesome work of our volunteer Nico Rikken you can pre-order the book now! Read the story here: fsfe.org/news/2026/ne... Do not forget to pre-order it ! You can pick it up at #fosdem

Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) reposted

Anne Roth

@anneroth.bsky.social

3 Jan

Warum ich immer noch finde, dass ⁨#DigitaleSouveränität⁩ der falsche Begriff ist. Mit dabei: Bonnie Mehring von der @fsfe.org, Sven Neuhaus (ZenDiS) und moderiert hat Keywan Tonekaboni von der c't.

c't magazin@ct.de

Warum der Staat weiter auf Big Tech setzt und was das Problem mit dem Begriff digitale Souveränität ist, war das Thema der c’t-uplink-Sonderfolge auf dem 39C3. #c't uplink

heise.de39C3: Die Krux mit der digitalen Souveränität | c’t uplinkWarum der Staat weiter auf Big Tech setzt und was das Problem mit dem Begriff digitale Souveränität ist, war das Thema der c’t-uplink-Sonderfolge auf dem 39C3.