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Max Mehl
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activities/deviceneutrality/index.en.xhtml
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@@ -83,12 +83,12 @@
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 memory and unduly draining its battery.
occupying the device's space memory 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 proprietary operating
for alternatives. However, your device boots only a specific fully or partly proprietary operating
system. 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
artificially limited device which performs much less than you expected.
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@
<figure class="no-border">
<img
src="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/big/d0988bf4e317a6cd7953689adf50b573.jpg"
alt="Alt: Person staring at smartphone at the table." />
alt="Person staring at smartphone at the table." />
<figcaption>
Limitations to Free Software, vendor lock-in and lack of control over personal
data are current hurdles faced by end-users in digital markets.
@@ -106,9 +106,9 @@
<p>
Issues like these, and many others related to browsers, search engines, and
to hardware, are a common occurrence in digital markets. End-users are experimenting
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 as installing and uninstalling software are being unfairly limited
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.
</p>
@@ -116,10 +116,10 @@
<p>
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. In this page
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 standardized ways of data interoperability.
software freedom in devices, protecting end-users from lock-in,
and promoting standardised ways of data interoperability.
</p>
@@ -130,9 +130,9 @@
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 infinite number of tasks. Our smartphones,
features, and perform an almost infinite number of tasks. Our smartphones,
tablets, laptops and other connected devices are <strong>general purpose
computers</strong>. It means we can potentially run any software we want to
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>
@@ -140,9 +140,9 @@
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 software is
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 and democratic digital environment.
competitive, and democratic digital environment.
</p>
<figure class="no-border">
@@ -160,9 +160,9 @@
<p>
Although the devices we use are general purpose computers, device
manufacturers, vendors and internet platforms have been restricting
software freedom due by exercising their monopolistic control over end-user
equipment. This power is exercised over key features and components of
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
<strong>termination monopoly</strong>, which grants such companies powers in the
@@ -171,7 +171,7 @@
</p>
<p>
Manufacturers, vendors and platforms controlling devices may
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
important the device features and components are for end-users, the more
@@ -180,30 +180,30 @@
<p>
Monopolised markets are prejudicial for fair competition
and consumer welfare. Gatekeepers control over operating systems,
app-stores, browsers and key online services end-users are left
with few choices, hindering individual freedoms and self-determination.
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.
In general terms, gatekeeper control is achieved by:
</p>
<ul>
<li>
<strong>Restricting Software Freedom</strong>:Gatekeepers limit users to
<strong>Restricting Software Freedom</strong>: Gatekeepers limit users to
install different operating systems, browsers, apps stores, drivers,
etc. on their devices. They also impose on users pre-installed apps and
control their uninstallation.
etc. on their devices. They also impose pre-installed apps on users, and
make their uninstallation impossible.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Locking devices down</strong>: Such companies hinder
interoperability, exercise tie control over APIs and apply proprietary
standards, hampering functionalities and blocking access to drivers and
interoperability, exercise tight control over APIs, and apply proprietary
standards, hampering functionalities, and blocking access to drivers and
hardware.
</li>
<li>
<strong>Increasing switching costs</strong>: Gatekeepers maintain users
in "walled gardens", tie devices to online accounts, bundle app-stores
<strong>Increasing switching costs</strong>: 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.
</li>
@@ -216,10 +216,10 @@
href="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/medium/77a19abc35b147a07d16525ddf38b37a.png">
<img
src="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/medium/77a19abc35b147a07d16525ddf38b37a.png"
alt="Alt: Drawing of smartphone, a person and locked devices." />
alt="Drawing of smartphone, a person and locked devices." />
</a>
<figcaption>
Gatekeeper power over devices: restricting software freedom, locking devices down and increasing switching costs.
Gatekeepers' power over devices: restricting software freedom, locking devices down, and increasing switching costs.
</figcaption>
</figure>
@@ -229,7 +229,7 @@
<p>
The monopolistic power of gatekeepers threats software freedom, individual
autonomy, consumer welfare and digital sovereignty. Device Neutrality
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
@@ -241,7 +241,7 @@
<p>
Re-establishing end-user control over devices and fair competition in digital
markets require safeguarding software freedom in devices, protecting end-users
from lock-in and promoting end-user control over data.
from lock-in, and promoting end-user control over data.
</p>
@@ -255,14 +255,16 @@
<p>
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
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 require safeguarding software freedom. Users should
have the ability to install and uninstall any software, including
operating systems and app stores. Besides, gatekeepers should provide to
third party software the same access privileges as the pre-installed
ones.
interests are the main drive to lock users in.
</p>
<p>
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 the pre-installed ones.
</p>
</div>
</li>
@@ -275,19 +277,22 @@
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 exercises direct
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 of switching costs. Therefore, high degrees of
interoperability, wide implementation 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 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
increasing switching costs.
</p>
<p>
Therefore, high degrees of interoperability, wide implementation
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
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.
</p>
</div>
@@ -309,10 +314,13 @@
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 <a href="/freesoftware/standards/index.html">Open
Standards</a> and common interfaces for data transfer.
</p>
<p>
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 <a
href="/freesoftware/standards/index.html">Open Standards</a> and
common interfaces for data transfer.
</p>
</div>
</li>
@@ -321,8 +329,6 @@
<hr />
<h2 id="dn-reality">Making Device Neutrality a Reality</h2>
<p>
@@ -330,7 +336,7 @@
technology in the hands of users. Along 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 make sure end-users are empowered to control
communities and businesses to ensure that end-users are empowered to control
technology. Our work has been translating the demands for Device Neutrality
a vivid reality for digital markets with several dedicated activities and
initiatives.
@@ -417,16 +423,24 @@
</ul>
</div>
<hr />
<figure class="no-border">
<img
src="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/medium/991c7845beed330024615173a7c4175d.jpg"
alt="Three happy persons work together with computers and smartphones." />
<figcaption>
People should be in control of technology. Help us to make Device
Neutrality a reality!
</figcaption>
</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
compliance of the DMA, the conduction of device-related activities, and
promoting software freedom requires a lot of resources.
<fsfe-cd-donate-link>Please consider becoming a FSFE
donor</fsfe-cd-donate-link>; you help make possible our long-term engagement and
donor</fsfe-cd-donate-link>; you enable our long-term engagement and
professional commitment in defending people's rights to control
technology.
@@ -438,15 +452,6 @@
</fsfe-cd-donate-link>
</p>
<figure class="no-border">
<img
src="https://pics.fsfe.org/uploads/medium/991c7845beed330024615173a7c4175d.jpg"
alt="Three happy persons work together with computers and smartphones." />
<figcaption>
People should be in control of technology. Help us to make Device
Neutrality a reality!
</figcaption>
</figure>
</div>