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implementing Richard's proofreading

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activities/deviceneutrality/index.en.xhtml
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@@ -69,28 +69,28 @@
</p>
<p>
You are thrilled to learn and discover all what your device can deliver.
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 something wrong. In order to start your
phone, you are prompted to create an online account for using the device,
even if you are not up to.
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.
</p>
<p>
Further, you begin to perceive how limited you are to download and install new apps and
programs. The only possible way is via the manufacturer's app store or marketplace.
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 <a href="https://www.f-droid.org/">alternative repositories</a>.
Most weirdly, you are not allowed to remove pre-installed programs that are inadvertently
occupying the device's space memory and unduly draining its battery.
Most weirdly, you are not allowed to remove pre-installed programs that are
occupying the device's memory space and unduly draining its battery.
</p>
<p>
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
systems. In other words, you cannot install a different OS. Finally, you sadly realise,
although your smartphone is a general purpose computer, you are stuck with an
system. In other words, you cannot install a different OS. 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.
</p>
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@
src="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/big/d0988bf4e317a6cd7953689adf50b573.jpg"
alt="Person staring at smartphone at the table." />
<figcaption>
Limitations to Free Software, vendor lock-in and lack of control over personal
Limitations to Free Software, vendor lock-in, and lack of control over personal
data are current hurdles faced by end-users in digital markets.
</figcaption>
</figure>
@@ -128,10 +128,10 @@
<p>
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 amount of
features, and perform an almost infinite number of tasks. Our smartphones,
tablets, laptops and other connected devices are <strong>general purpose
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 <strong>general purpose
computers</strong>. That means we can potentially run any software we want to
make full use of the hardware. This potential is fostered by Free Software.
</p>
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@
Software freedom depends on how we can run
software in devices. Safeguarding <a
href="/freesoftware/freesoftware.html">the four freedoms of Free Software</a>
over operating systems, drivers, app stores, browsers, and any other software is
over operating systems, drivers, apps stores, browsers, and any other software is
crucial not only for freedom of choice, but also for a healthy,
competitive, and democratic digital environment.
</p>
@@ -163,33 +163,33 @@
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
devices such as operating systems, browsers, and apps stores. Since these elements
are essential for the functioning of devices, they constitute a
<strong>termination monopoly</strong>, 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.
end-users to access and control software, hardware, and services of their devices.
</p>
<p>
Manufacturers, vendors, and platforms controlling devices may
perform a <strong>gatekeeper function</strong> in similar ways that a provider of
an internet access connection controls a gateway to the internet. Depending on how
perform a <strong>gatekeeper function</strong> 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.
</p>
<p>
Monopolised markets are prejudicial for fair competition
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 none or few choices, hindering individual freedoms and self-determination.
apps 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:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Restricting Software Freedom</strong>: Gatekeepers limit users to
install different operating systems, browsers, apps stores, drivers,
<strong>Restricting Software Freedom</strong>: Gatekeepers limit or prevent users
installing different operating systems, browsers, apps stores, drivers,
etc. on their devices. They also impose pre-installed apps on users, and
make their uninstallation impossible.
</li>
@@ -197,15 +197,15 @@
<li>
<strong>Locking devices down</strong>: Such companies hinder
interoperability, exercise tight control over APIs, and apply proprietary
standards, hampering functionalities, and blocking access to drivers and
standards, hampering functionalities and blocking access to drivers and
hardware.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Increasing switching costs</strong>: Gatekeepers keep users
in "walled gardens", tie devices to online accounts, bundle app-stores,
in "walled gardens", tie devices to online accounts, bundle apps stores,
and hamper data portability, making it harder for users to switch
software, devices and services.
software, devices, and services.
</li>
</ul>
@@ -228,11 +228,11 @@
<h2 id="device-neutrality-free-software">Device Neutrality and Free Software</h2>
<p>
The monopolistic power of gatekeepers threats software freedom, individual
The monopolistic power of gatekeepers threatens software freedom, individual
autonomy, consumer welfare, and digital sovereignty. Device Neutrality
represent ways to disintermediate the power of gatekeepers to re-establish
competition on markets and end-user control over devices. Users should be
able to bypass gatekeepers to restate the ability to run Free Software in
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.
@@ -240,7 +240,7 @@
<p>
Re-establishing end-user control over devices and fair competition in digital
markets require safeguarding software freedom in devices, protecting end-users
markets requires safeguarding software freedom in devices, protecting end-users
from lock-in, and promoting end-user control over data.
</p>
@@ -253,18 +253,18 @@
<div>
<h3 id="dn-software-freedom">Software Freedom</h3>
<p>
Blocking end-users' freedom to install, run and uninstall software on
their devices is a central source of gatekeepers control. Although gatekeepers may
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
security, data integrity, and privacy concerns, in fact commercial
interests are the main drive to lock users in.
</p>
<p>
Instead, regaining control over devices requires safeguarding
Instead, users 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 the pre-installed ones.
privileges to third party applications as to the pre-installed ones.
</p>
</div>
</li>
@@ -288,8 +288,8 @@
of <a href="/freesoftware/standards/index.html">Open
Standards</a>, 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
Equally important, devices should not be bundled with apps stores
and online accounts. Gatekeepers should permit third-party apps
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
@@ -305,11 +305,11 @@
<p>
Breaking monopolies over
devices necessarily requires empowering users to control their own data
on equipment. Smartphones, smartwatches and computers are very personal
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. Such data constitutes a switching cost that,
taken together, can be decisive for users to exercise their freedom to
changing devices. This is especially problematic for switching between
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
@@ -317,7 +317,7 @@
</p>
<p>
That's why end-users should be able to easily transfer personal
data from apps, operating systems and devices. Most importantly,
data from apps, operating systems, and devices. Most importantly,
gatekeepers should be bound to <a
href="/freesoftware/standards/index.html">Open Standards</a> and
common interfaces for data transfer.
@@ -333,11 +333,11 @@
<p>
Since its genesis, the FSFE has been working to put control over
technology in the hands of users. Along the years, we have gained
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
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.
</p>
@@ -351,9 +351,9 @@
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 prescripts fines and penalties for infringements.
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, several
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.
</p>
@@ -363,10 +363,10 @@
<p>
Device ecosystems are extremely complex, and enforcing Device Neutrality
requires dedicated initiatives focusing on determined aspects of how end-users
use and interact with devices. Along the years, our activities have related
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
protecting end-users from lock-in, and fostering self-empowerment related to
personal data.
</p>
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@
<h3 id="id-dma-icon">DMA</h3>
<p>
The <a href="/activities/dma/dma.html">Digital Markets Act (DMA)</a>
is a game-changer for regulating gatekeepers. Its rules contain several
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.
</p>
@@ -434,11 +434,11 @@
</figure>
<p>
Nevertheless, although the Device Neutrality principles may sound common
knowledge for the Free Software community, it is far from being current
commercial practices by gatekeepers. Monitoring the enforcement and
compliance of the DMA, the conduction of device-related activities, and
promoting software freedom requires a lot of resources.
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.
<fsfe-cd-donate-link>Please consider becoming a FSFE
donor</fsfe-cd-donate-link>; you enable our long-term engagement and
professional commitment in defending people's rights to control
@@ -479,7 +479,7 @@
<p>
As a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, Free Software Foundation
Europe works to create general understanding and support for Free Software
and Open Standards in politics, business, law and society at large.
and Open Standards in politics, business, law, and society at large.
By becoming a supporter of the FSFE you empower our work and help to assure our financial independence.
</p>