Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

FSF's 40th Anniversary Auction: Bid on Pieces of Free Software History!

2025-03-17

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) is hosting an online auction featuring 25 pieces of historic free software memorabilia. The auction is split into a silent online auction (March 17-21 on the LibrePlanet wiki) and a live auction (March 23). Items include vintage computers, plushies, original artwork promoting free software, and awards received by the FSF and its founder. All proceeds support the FSF's continued work. The live auction features six particularly significant items, including the original GNU head logo, the Norbert Wiener Award, and artwork from the GCC manual. These artifacts represent milestones in the free software movement.

(www.fsf.org)

Tech

FSF Weighs In on Neo4j's AGPLv3 License Dispute

2025-03-09

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) filed an amicus brief in the legal dispute between Neo4j, Inc. and PureThink, LLC. The core issue revolves around Neo4j adding a commercially restrictive Commons Clause to its software, incompatible with the GNU AGPLv3 license. The FSF argues that GNU licenses permit users to remove restrictions contradicting the four freedoms of software. Following a cease and desist letter in November 2023 highlighting Neo4j's violation of the AGPLv3 spirit, Neo4j removed the offending files and ceased offering its software under the GNU AGPLv3, implicitly acknowledging the FSF's position. The FSF's brief clarifies its intent in drafting the GNU licenses and underscores its commitment to safeguarding software freedom.

(www.fsf.org)

Development

FSF's 40th Anniversary: A Virtual Auction of Rare Memorabilia

2025-02-08

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) is hosting an unprecedented virtual memorabilia auction. Items include the original GNU head drawing by Etienne Suvasa, rare hardware like an Amiga 3000UX used in the FSF's early days at MIT, and prestigious awards such as Richard Stallman's Internet Hall of Fame medal. The auction will consist of a silent online auction followed by a live online auction, offering a unique opportunity for free software enthusiasts and collectors alike. This event highlights the FSF's unwavering commitment to software freedom over four decades.

(www.fsf.org)

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Meta's Llama 3.1 Community License: Not Free Software

2025-01-26

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has released an evaluation concluding that Meta's Llama 3.1 Community License is not a free software license. The license not only denies users their freedoms but also attempts to grant licensors powers that should only be exercised through democratically-elected governments. Furthermore, its application to a machine learning application fails to address inherent software freedom challenges. The FSF urges the free software community to avoid using this license and any software released under it.

(www.fsf.org)

Development

FSF: Guardians of Software Freedom

2025-01-11

Since its founding in 1985, the Free Software Foundation (FSF) has been a steadfast advocate for software freedom, resisting the encroachment of commercial interests. Its unique non-member governance structure ensures its mission remains uncompromised, weathering challenges from the 'open source' movement and corporate influence to uphold software freedom as a fundamental human right.

(www.fsf.org)

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FSF Calls for Continued Pressure on Microsoft

2025-01-05

The Free Software Foundation (FSF) published a blog post urging continued pressure on Microsoft to combat its anti-free software practices. The post uses this year's International Day Against DRM (IDAD) as an example, highlighting Microsoft's forced Windows 11 upgrade requiring a TPM module, harming user freedom and digital rights. The FSF encourages switching to GNU/Linux, avoiding new Microsoft software releases, and moving projects off Microsoft GitHub to support the free software movement. Simultaneously, the FSF is conducting its annual fundraiser, seeking support to fight digital restrictions and promote software freedom.

(www.fsf.org)

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