| Hi Pascal, We're joining our allies at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), the Tor Project, and Freedom of the Press Foundation in kicking off the Tor Challenge, an effort to strengthen the global Tor network that protects Internet traffic from surveillance. Tor is a publicly accessible, free software-based system for anonymizing Internet traffic. Tor relies on thousands of computers around the world called relays, which route traffic in tricky ways to dodge spying. The more relays, the stronger and faster the network. That's where you come in: Tor is used by journalists, political dissidents, and everyday folks around the world. In fact, it was used by Edward Snowden for his famous leaks. The FSF is proud to run our own Tor relay as well. We've long been supporters of Tor, and we're pumped to join our allies in promoting it. As we write this, there have already been 370 new relays set up in the past two days. Let's help double that! To learn about more tools and actions you can take to secure privacy for yourself and your community, see the FSF's bulk surveillance page. For a discussion of pushing back bulk surveillance on a mass scale, read Richard Stallman's article "How Much Surveillance Can Democracy Withstand?". Zak Rogoff Follow us on GNU social | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS | Join us as an associate member Sent from the Free Software Foundation, 51 Franklin Street Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States Unsubscribe from this mailing list. Stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design, and the Free Software Supporter newsletter. |
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Join the FSF and allies: strengthen the Tor anti-surveillance network
Thursday, June 5, 2014
Reset the Net with our email self-defense guide
| Dear Pascal,  One year ago today, an NSA contractor named Edward Snowden went public with his history-changing revelations about the NSA's massive system of indiscriminate surveillance. Today the FSF is releasing Email Self-Defense, a guide to personal email encryption to help everyone, including beginners, make the NSA's job a little harder. We're releasing it as part of Reset the Net, a global day of action to push back against the surveillance-industrial complex. Email encryption is a simple way to give yourself a shield that can protect you and your community from the giant surveillance system we all face. If you need any proof of the effectiveness of these tools, remember that Snowden used them to leak his precious information safely. Many effective shields, wielded well and held together in solidarity, make a strong wall. The Email Self-Defense Guide will lead you all the way through the process of sending and receiving your first encrypted mail. Check out the guide, and get started encrypting your email! It comes with a gorgeous infographic, which you can share with the hashtags #EmailSelfDefense and #ResetTheNet. "Encryption matters, and it is not just for spies and philanderers. [Encryption] is a critically-necessary security measure for anyone who wishes to communicate with you." -- Edward Snowden Encrypting your email can not only protect you and your loved ones from the NSA, it also keeps big Internet corporations from collecting your data as well. Gmail, for example, mines your email to serve you ads. If that email is encrypted on your desktop, Google's servers will never see the contents of your messages (even if you don't use Gmail yourself, every email you send to someone who does ends up on their servers). And even if you think that you personally have nothing to hide, remember: if the only people who encrypt their email DO have something to hide, then the NSA can easily target those emails and use their massive resources to break the encryption. The more people encrypt all their email, even the trivial stuff, the harder it becomes for the NSA to target whistleblowers, journalists, and others with legitimate, legal reasons to keep information private. If you already use email encryption, we encourage you to check out the guide and give us feedback on it. You can also make a big difference by sending it to your friends and offering to help them use it to get started. Challenging the surveillance state takes a multi-pronged approach; we'll need to take legislative action, and we'll need to sharply reduce the amount of data that companies are collecting about us in general. Today thousands of people -- and some of the most popular websites -- are taking concrete steps to secure their part of the Internet. With free software tools and principles, we can make suspicionless, dragnet-style surveillance exponentially more difficult and expensive for governments to conduct. Learn how to practice email self defense, then head over the Free Software Directory to download our free software privacy pack. Zak, Libby, John, William, and the rest of the FSF team P.S. If you like Email Self-Defense, please consider making a donation. We have big plans to get it in the hands of people under bulk surveillance all over the world, and make more tools like it. You can read this post online at https://fsf.org/blogs/community/reset-the-net. You can also read our press release online at https://fsf.org/news/reset-the-net. --Follow us on GNU social | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS | Join us as an associate member Sent from the Free Software Foundation, 51 Franklin Street Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States Unsubscribe from this mailing list. Stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design, and the Free Software Supporter newsletter. |
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Free Software Supporter - Issue 74, May 2014
Free Software SupporterIssue 74, May 2014 Welcome to the Free Software Supporter, the Free Software Foundation's monthly news digest and action update -- being read by you and 79,554 other activists. View this issue online here: https://fsf.org/free-software-supporter/2014/may Encourage your friends to subscribe and help us build an audience by adding our subscriber widget to your web site.
Miss an issue? You can catch up on back issues at https://www.fsf.org/free-software-supporter. #El Free Software Supporter está disponible en español. Para ver la versión en español haz click aqui: https://fsf.org/free-software-supporter/2014/mayo Para cambiar las preferencias de usuario y recibir los próximos números del Supporter en castellano, haz click aquí: https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=34&reset=1 Le Free Software Supporter est disponible en français. Pour voir la version française cliquez ici: https://fsf.org/free-software-supporter/2014/mai Pour modifier vos préférences et recevoir les prochaines publications du Supporter en français, cliquez ici: https://crm.fsf.org/civicrm/profile/create?gid=34&reset=1 TABLE OF CONTENTS
FSF condemns partnership between Mozilla and Adobe to support Digital Restrictions ManagementFrom May 14th On May 14, Mozilla announced that it is reluctantly adopting DRM in its Firefox Web browser. In response, Free Software Foundation executive director John Sullivan made a statement condemning the move. Thanks for a great International Day Against DRMFrom May 7th On May 6, people all over the world spoke out against Digital Restrictions Management with flyering, rallies, teach-ins, and sales on DRM-free media. This post highlights some of the day's actions.
Press release: Tehnoetic wireless USB adapter now FSF-certified to respect your freedomFrom May 21st The FSF has awarded Respects Your Freedom (RYF) certification to the Tehnoetic TET-N150 wireless USB adapter. The RYF certification mark is awarded to products that meet the FSF's standards in regard to users' freedom, control over the product, and privacy. Interview with Ciaran Gultnieks of F-DroidFrom May 8th In this edition of our Licensing and Compliance Lab's series on free software developers who choose GNU licenses for their works, we conducted an email-based interview with Ciaran Gultnieks, the founder of the F-Droid project and the lead developer of fdroidserver, which is licensed under the GNU AGPL version 3 (or any later version). FSF seeks full-time senior GNU/Linux systems administratorFrom May 2nd The Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Boston-based 501(c)(3) charity with a worldwide mission to protect freedoms critical to the computer-using public, seeks a full-time senior systems administrator. Fall 2013 FSF Bulletin now available onlineFrom May 16th The fall 2013 Free Software Foundation Bulletin, which was mailed to our supporters in November, is now online. Check it out for interesting articles on free software and free software activism. "Imperfection is not the same as oppression"From May 30th In his latest article, Richard Stallman underscores this crucial distinction, and encourages all users whose particular needs are not being met by a free program to address the unmet need in a proactive, respectful, and constructive way. FSF statement on Court of Appeals ruling in Oracle v GoogleFrom May 27th The Federal Circuit has ruled in Oracle's favor, which has reintroduced confusion and uncertainty on a user's freedom to use APIs. Richard Stallman answers questions on Slashdot.orgFrom May 6th Richard M. Stallman (RMS) answers questions from Slashdot.org readers and discusses free hardware, deblobbing the kernel, legal reforms, and much more. FSF joins more than twenty other organizations in plan to "Reset the Net"From May 5th We are joining this day of action to protect Internet users from mass surveillance. Stay tuned to learn more about what we'll be doing to Reset the Net on June 5, 2014. Register now for the 2014 GNU Hackers MeetingFrom May 30th On the weekend of August 15 to 17, 2014 the people responsible for the GNU operating system will gather in Munich, Germany at the eighth GNU Hackers Meeting. The meeting is open to developers, users, and all people interested in GNU. It is an opportunity to share ideas and for social interaction within the GNU community. Open letter to European Commission: Stop DRM in HTML5By FSF Europe, from May 6th On this year's International Day against DRM, FSF Europe sent an open letter to the European Commission, asking the EC to prevent Digital Restrictions Management technology from being closely integrated with the HTML5 standard. Thirty-three Free Software Pact supporters elected to the European ParliamentBy April and FSF Europe, from May 28th The European elections have brought thirty-three free software supporters into the new European Parliament. Candidates across the political spectrum signed the Free Software Pact, promising to support free software and free standards during their time in Parliament. Google has most of my email because it has all of yoursBy Benjamin Mako Hill, from May 11th FSF board member Benjamin Mako Hill writes on the privacy implications of Gmail, even if you don't personally use it. Savannah VCS storage maintenance completedBy Bob Proulx, from May 14th Storage migration on Savannah has been completed. As a result, the vcs has returned to normal service and users can now enjoy a faster storage system. Join the FSF and friends in updating the Free Software DirectoryFrom May 30th Tens of thousands of people visit directory.fsf.org each month to discover free software. Each entry in the Directory contains a wealth of useful information, from basic category and descriptions to version control, IRC channels, documentation, and licensing. The Free Software Directory has been a great resource to software users over the past decade, but it needs your help staying up-to-date with new and exciting free software projects. To help, join our weekly IRC meetings on Fridays. Meetings take place in the #fsf channel on irc.gnu.org, and usually include a handful of regulars as well as newcomers. Everyone's welcome. The next meeting is Friday, June 6 from 2pm to 5pm EDT (18:00 to 21:00 UTC). Details here: After this meeting, you can check https://www.fsf.org/events to see the rest of June's weekly meetings as they are scheduled. LibrePlanet featured resource: GPG guide reviewEvery month on LibrePlanet, we highlight one resource that is interesting and useful -- often one that could use your help. For this month, we are highlighting the review page for our GPG guide, which helps people go through the process of installing email encryption software. You are invited to try out and provide feedback for our guide. Do you have a suggestion for next month's featured resource? Let us know at campaigns@fsf.org. GNU Spotlight with Karl Berry: 22 new GNU releases!22 new GNU releases in the last month (as of May 26, 2014):
To get announcements of most new GNU releases, subscribe to the info-gnu mailing list: https://lists.gnu.org/mailman/listinfo/info-gnu. Nearly all GNU software is available from https://ftp.gnu.org/gnu/, or preferably one of its mirrors (https://www.gnu.org/prep/ftp.html). You can use the url http://ftpmirror.gnu.org/ to be automatically redirected to a (hopefully) nearby and up-to-date mirror. This month, we welcome: * Mohammed Isam Mohammed, author and maintainer of the new package GnuDOS. * Edscott Wilson, author and maintainer of the new GNU package libdb. * Vaibhaw Pandey, new maintainer of GNU groff. * Sebastien Diaz, new maintainer of gnukart, along with his work on many other GNU packages. * Amadeusz Slawinski, new co-maintainer of GNU screen. Thanks to all. A number of GNU packages, as well as the GNU operating system as a whole, are looking for maintainers and other assistance: please see https://www.gnu.org/server/takeaction.html#unmaint if you'd like to help. The general page on how to help GNU is at https://www.gnu.org/help/help.html. To submit new packages to the GNU operating system, see https://www.gnu.org/help/evaluation.html. As always, please feel free to write to me, karl@gnu.org, with any GNUish questions or suggestions for future installments. GNU Toolchain updateFrom May 18th The GNU toolchain refers to the part of the GNU system which is used for building programs. These components of GNU are together often on other systems and for compiling programs for other platforms. This month features improvements to GDB, GCC, and GNU binutils. Richard Stallman's speaking scheduleFor event details, as well as to sign-up to be notified for future events in your area, please visit https://www.fsf.org/events. So far, Richard Stallman has the following events in June:
Other FSF and free software events
Thank GNUs!We appreciate everyone who donates to the Free Software Foundation, but we'd like to give special recognition to the folks who have donated $500 or more in the last month. This month, a big Thank GNU to:
You can add your name to this list by donating at https://donate.fsf.org. GNU copyright contributionsAssigning your copyright to the Free Software Foundation helps us defend the GPL and keep software free. The following individuals have assigned their copyright to the FSF in the past month:
Want to see your name on this list? Contribute to GNU and assign your copyright to the FSF. https://www.gnu.org/server/takeaction.html#dev Take action with the FSFContributions from thousands of individual members enable the FSF's work. You can contribute by joining at https://www.fsf.org/join. If you're already a member, you can help refer new members (and earn some rewards) by adding a line with your member number to your email signature like: I'm an FSF member -- Help us support software freedom! https://www.fsf.org/jf?referrer=2442 The FSF is also always looking for volunteers (https://www.fsf.org/volunteer). From rabble-rousing to hacking, from issue coordination to envelope stuffing -- there's something here for everybody to do. Also, head over to our campaign section (https://www.fsf.org/campaigns) and take action on software patents, DRM, free software adoption, OpenDocument, RIAA and more. #Copyright © 2014 Free Software Foundation, Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/. --Follow us on GNU social | Subscribe to our blogs via RSS | Join us as an associate member Sent from the Free Software Foundation, 51 Franklin Street Fifth Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02110-1335 United States Unsubscribe from this mailing list. Stop all email from the Free Software Foundation, including Defective by Design, and the Free Software Supporter newsletter. |
Friday, May 30, 2014
FSF seeks full-time senior GNU/Linux systems administrator
| The FSF is hiring! We're fortunate to have a base of supporters that are both skilled and passionate, and I'm sure many of you would be an excellent fit for our Senior Systems Administration position. I hope you will pass around this email if you know of anyone who might be interested. Please share the job description on your favorite blogs, mailing lists, and social media sites. Best, William Theaker FSF seeks full-time senior GNU/Linux systems administratorThe Free Software Foundation (FSF), a Boston-based 501(c)(3) charity with a worldwide mission to protect freedoms critical to the computer-using public, seeks a full-time senior systems administrator. The ideal candidate will be a well-rounded GNU/Linux systems administrator who thrives on constant broad-based learning and problem-solving. (S)he will be familiar with the free software community and how it works, and will be more interested in making a substantial contribution to software freedom and having employment consistent with ethical ideals than obtaining the highest salary. This is an opportunity to work for the organization that started the GNU Project, launched the free software movement, and safeguards the GNU General Public License. The position includes frequent contact and collaboration with many of the core GNU developers, and currently reports to the executive director. Together, the senior systems administrators have a great deal of influence over technology decisions within the FSF, and do crucial work empowering thousands of others to develop free software. With our small staff of twelve, each person makes a clear contribution. We work hard, but offer a humane and fun work environment. The FSF is a mature and growing organization that provides great potential for advancement; existing staff are prioritized for any new job openings. Example systems administration tasks include:
Programming is occasionally required, such as:
Useful specific experience includes:
Expected technical skills are:
We will prefer candidates with additional skills, such as:
We also require:
Benefits and salaryThe job must be worked on-site at FSF's downtown Boston offices, because it involves caring for equipment that is physically located there. It is a union position. The salary is fixed at $61,651 and is non-negotiable. Other benefits include:
Application instructionsThe position is available immediately, and we will be accepting applications until it is filled. To ensure consideration, please submit your application by 10am EDT (15:00 UTC), Monday, June 16th, 2014. Applications must be submitted via email to hiring@fsf.org. The email must contain the subject line, "Senior Systems Administrator." A complete application should include:
All materials must be in a free format (such as plain text, PDF, or OpenDocument, and not Microsoft Word). Email submissions that do not follow these instructions will be overlooked. No phone calls, please. An on-site interview will be required with the executive director and the technology team. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to promoting a diverse workplace, and do not discriminate based on gender, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or sexual orientation. |
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
FSF statement on Court of Appeals ruling in Oracle v Google
| On May 9, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit reversed Judge Alsup's 2012 ruling that Oracle wasn't entitled to copyright control for a large portion of the Java API, copies of which Oracle alleged appeared in Google's Android development libraries. Judge Alsup's decision originally clarified Google's right to continue unabated in its distribution and development of the Android development libraries that were similar to Java's. The Federal Circuit has now ruled in Oracle's favor, which has reintroduced confusion and uncertainty on this issue. The case is now remanded back to the district court to determine whether or not Google will succeed in using a "fair use" defense regarding the alleged copyright infringement. In May 2012, the Jury of the District Court had issued a partial verdict and we were left waiting for Alsup's verdict on the remainder of the case. At the time, the FSF issued the following statement: Were it grounded in reality, Oracle's claim that copyright law gives them proprietary control over any software that uses a particular functional API would be terrible for free software and programmers everywhere. It is an unethical and greedy interpretation created with the express purpose of subjugating as many computer users as possible, and is particularly bad in this context because it comes at a time when the sun has barely set on the free software community's celebration of Java as a language newly suitable for use in the free world. Fortunately, the claim is not yet reality, and we hope Judge Alsup will keep it that way.The situation then is substantially similar to the situation today. The key difference is that some of Google's affirmative defenses to claim non-infringement have been eliminated by this new ruling. The FSF now sincerely hopes for the next best thing to Alsup's original ruling: that Google is successful in its fair use defense. Notwithstanding our support of Google's fair use defense, the FSF urges caution to all prospective Android users. Even though the core of the Android system is free, every Android device sold comes pre-loaded with a variety of proprietary applications and proprietary hardware drivers. The FSF, encourages users to support the development of Replicant, a distribution of Android that is 100% free software. The FSF also encourages users of any Android-based system to install F-Droid, a free replacement for the Google Play app that allows users to browse, install, and receive updates from a repository of free software Android apps. Replicant uses F-Droid as its default repository. Disclosure: Google currently donates to the FSF and Oracle has donated to the FSF in the past. |