Would you like to end the constant drumbeat of ill-informed legislative proposals that threaten to destroy end-to-end #encryption in #OpenSource #software? Are you from #Europe? Can you demonstrate your expertise? Then why not apply to join the European Commission's Expert Group for a Technology Roadmap on Encryption (E04005). Deadline is September 1st, don't be late.
We are delighted to announce that we have received a #Zerodha #FLOSSfund grant https://floss.fund/blog/update-2025-may/
This is a great way to highlight the global magnitude of libre software. Ideas, development, or funding are not centralized in one place. No one is buying the power; everybody can contribute as they can and want. We will use this budget to improve #Weblate UX and implement some major features that were waiting to get boosted by funding.
Brave for Android is now available as an F-Droid repository! 📱🤖
This officially-supported repository allows you to install the browser and get automatic updates without using the Google Play app.
We're excited to make our browser available on a decentralized and account-free platform that's free of Big Tech restrictions and tracking.
Learn how to install Brave for Android through our F-Droid repository here: https://github.com/brave/brave-browser/wiki/Installing-Brave-on-Android
#Google presented their AI-based app review at #DMAWorkshop. Many apps are falsely flagged by #GooglePlay. Lots of trusted app developers built their reputation on free and open source software #Nextcloud #Signal #Thunderbird and more. These developers welcome more scrutiny on their source code. Why doesn't Google Play allow app developers to upload source code to provide more accurate reviews? How about requiring Google's own apps go through the same review?
An open call to #Android #developers! The #EuropeanCommission needs help evaluating #GooglePlay's #security claims. I'm going to do what I can. Anyone with knowledge of how app installation, uninstallation, sandboxing, signing, etc. could really help here. If you want to contribute, please reach out!
Excellent online question by @GrapheneOS calling out #Google for selling "payment integrity" as security feature while using it to achieve vendor lock-in.
Google answer: None. Again. @article19's attempt to follow up was denied for sake of time. 😠
Can anyone with a regular and recent #stockROM #Android phone confirm if they were able to uninstall (not deactivate!) pre-installed apps like #Chrome, #Youtube, #GoogleMaps, #GoogleDrive, #GooglePhotos, or #Gmail ?
OK I just can't, my ears are bleeding. The #gatekeeper has successfully filibustered me out of the (virtual) room with their marketing blah blah.
My conclusion: #Apple has proven that their approach to the #DMA is malicious and aims not at compliance but at building its legal attack against the Regulation in the courts.
Usually I wouldn't mind but while Apple can afford it with unlimited money, year-long proceedings will bind valuable EC resources that are needed for actual enforcement. 🤕
Very good question (that was already asked in the #DMA workshops a year ago):
Why do competing #browser makers have to publish an entirely new app instead of being able to update their existing apps?
Apple's answer: We worked hard to bring other browsers into #iOS but we will do that "the way we feel comfortable with". No better way to say "I'm an omnipotent monopolist, go f--- yourself." 🤷🏼♂️
I think #Apple's strategy is just wast everyone's time and delay so they can push things through the courts. Their #monopoly profits on #iOS are just so vast that this approach will mean biggest profits than actually engaging with the democratic process and complying with the #DMA . It feels almost pointless listening to Apple's answers, they mostly just rehash more marketing points and waste time with blah blah.
Clear comments by alternative #AppStores on #iOS:
* With Apple's anti-competitive (and #DMA-busting behaviour) no one can compete
* #Apple disadvantages #FOSS apps while its iOS itself (and many more Apple software) relies on free and open source software
Apple lobbyist respond with a big strawman how "everyone wants us to give away everything for free." No one ever asked for and the DMA certainly doesn't require that.
Today I will spend hours in the @EUCommission's #DMA workshop with #Apple so you don't have to. It'll be painful, it'll be funny, it'll be hot! 😆
The workshop starts with Apple lawyers speaking time in which they are supposed to explain how they comply with the #DigitalMarketsAct. Instead, they waste everybody's time with marketing BS and pointless rants against the law (or as they say "the Commission's interpretation of the law").
What a waste.
https://eupolicy.social/@ilumium is posting lots of key info about the #DigitalMarketsAct Follow him for more!
🚨 Time to Act! 🚨
With Budapest Pride just 2 days away, Hungary plans intrusive facial recognition to suppress peaceful assembly & enforce its anti-LGBTQ+ law.
We urge the @EUCommission to act NOW!
Fundamental rights are non-negotiable! 🏳️🌈
Read the Joint Open letter ➡️ https://epicenter.works/content/open-letter-of-47-digital-and-fundamental-rights-organizations-eu-commission-needs-to-defend-fundamental-rights-in-hungary
“The reality is also that money doesn’t solve all problems, unfortunately. It can create wrong incentives, it can increase stress and pressure, it can rip communities apart, it can do good in the short term but harm in the long term. We need to take all of these factors into account, if we want to channel support into our shared digital infrastructure, into #OpenSource communities.”
Purism- CNN Report
In a recent CNN report, skepticism surrounds the Trump Organization’s claim that its new “T1” smartphone is “Made in the USA.”
Experts, including Todd Weaver, CEO of Purism, challenged the claim, citing striking similarities between the T1 and a low-cost Chinese phone, the Revvl 7 Pro 5G, made by Wingtech, a Chinese manufacturer.
Weaver emphasized the logistical and technical difficulty of building a phone in the U.S.
Learn more at Purism:
https://puri.sm/posts/cnn-report-purism-is-the-only-known-u-s-phone-manufacturer/
The #DMA can open doors for #FreeSoftware: alternative app stores, browsers, emulators, and much more!
But right now, gatekeepers are throwing up roadblocks.
We need your help to hold them accountable.
🛠️ Developers: have you requested interoperability under the #DMA?
Share your story by taking this survey 👉 https://survey.fsfe.org/index.php/699938?lang=en
⚠️ WATCH OUT! European Commission's questionnaire for public consultation on #DataRetention has some really tricky and misguiding questions! ⚠️
But don't worry - we'll be publishing an answering guide in early August to help you understand the questions and avoid the traps. Well in time for the September 12 deadline! 😌
Stay tuned for the guide! 🗺️
Are you a Free Software developer trying to access hardware or software features under Article 6 of the Digital Markets Act #DMA ? @fsfe would like to hear from you. Share your experience about how gatekeepers are handling your interoperability request with the Free Software Foundation Europe.
The FSFE’s Interoperability Survey aims to collect structured feedback from #FOSS developers about their experience requesting interoperability
Read more & link to the survey: https://fsfe.org/activities/deviceneutrality/interop-survey
People, apps and code you can trust