Free Software Foundation Urges Skill-Sharing & Repair Over Holiday Tech Rush
BOSTON,MA – December 12,2024 – As the holiday season fuels a surge in tech purchases,the Free Software Foundation (FSF) is advocating for a shift in gifting culture: prioritizing learning,repair,and the adoption of free software over acquiring new devices. The FSF’s annual Ethical Tech Giving Guide, released today, focuses on empowering users to revitalize existing technology and embrace software freedom.
Recognizing the pervasive influence of proprietary software and hardware advertising, the FSF emphasizes that individuals can resist a dystopian tech landscape. This year’s guide moves beyond recommending specific products, instead offering concrete steps to utilize free software on devices already owned. “That bad gift you received a few years back can be given a new life: one that supports your freedom,” the FSF states.
Beyond software installation – a gift in itself for those intimidated by the process – the guide suggests non-monetary contributions to user freedom, like assisting friends and family with setup and offering guidance.
the FSF also highlights the importance of financial support for its ongoing initiatives, including the Defective by Design campaign, the free software Licensing and Compliance Lab, and the GNU Project. the organization is aiming to reach a fundraising goal of $400,000 USD by January 1, 2026, thru one-time donations, associate memberships, and sponsored memberships.
The FSF encourages users to explore the free software directory and share their knowledge with others, positioning the holiday season as an ideal time to introduce the benefits of software freedom. More data can be found on the free software movement website.
