Free Software Foundation encourages shoppers to 'Give Freely' with new Giving Guide

Free Software Foundation encourages shoppers to 'Give Freely' with new Giving Guide

This post can be viewed online at https://www.fsf.org/news/2013givingguide.
BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Wednesday, November 27, 2013 -- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) today announced its 2013 Giving Guide, a resource for conscientious shoppers looking for geeky gifts that respect users' freedom. Many holiday shoppers will be turning to gadgets and online services as gifts for friends and family, but these gifts are often rife with proprietary software, anti-features, or Digital Restrictions Management (DRM), all of which restrict how the gift can be used. The 2013 Giving Guide, found at , can be used to find great presents that don't compromise the recipient's freedoms.
"The Giving Guide is a map through the minefield of restrictive electronics and Web services that many will be seeking as gifts this season, just as one might shop for fair labor products from worker-owned cooperatives, or environmentally friendly products from local sources. There's no need to sacrifice your freedom or the freedom of the people you care about," said Libby Reinish, campaigns manager for the FSF.
The FSF objects to products that run proprietary software, because they inherently take control out of users' hands. Waiving that control invites insecurity, surveillance, and sabotage, with harmful implications for both society and individuals.
"The best gifts come with no strings attached. Relentless advertising and a few nice features may make the new Windows 8.1 release and iPhones with iOS7 tempting. But gifting these products is rewarding socially irresponsible companies, and on top of that, encouraging recipients to support them in the future. Our Guide highlights better gifts for a better future," said John Sullivan, the FSF's executive director.

About the Free Software Foundation

The Free Software Foundation, founded in 1985, is dedicated to promoting computer users' right to use, study, copy, modify, and redistribute computer programs. The FSF promotes the development and use of free (as in freedom) software -- particularly the GNU operating system and its GNU/Linux variants -- and free documentation for free software. The FSF also helps to spread awareness of the ethical and political issues of freedom in the use of software, and its Web sites, located at fsf.org and gnu.org, are an important source of information about GNU/Linux. Donations to support the FSF's work can be made at https://donate.fsf.org. Its headquarters are in Boston, MA, USA.