Watchman Privacy 20 - Why Free and Open-Source Software is Essential to Privacy
Jan 16, 2022
Explore the vital role of Free and Open-Source Software (FOSS) in protecting digital privacy. Discover how open-source code allows for public verification and contrasts ownership with proprietary models. Learn about essential FOSS alternatives to common software, from LibreOffice to Signal. Get tips on transitioning to Linux and securing your digital life with recommended tools like KeePassXC and VeraCrypt. Gabriel also highlights the importance of supporting open-source projects to ensure better privacy for everyone.
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Open Code Enables Verification
- Free and open-source software (FOSS) lets the public inspect code to verify privacy claims.
- Community scrutiny reduces the risk that software hides backdoors or secret data leaks.
Code Shapes Modern Life
- All digital tools are run by human-written code that shapes what we can see and do.
- Understanding code is essential because it underpins nearly all modern social and technical systems.
Proprietary Code Hides Risks
- Proprietary software can be excellent but keeps its code secret to protect intellectual property.
- That secrecy prevents independent verification of privacy claims and creates trust gaps.
