The Case for Free/Libre and Open-Source Software: Enhancing Security and Privacy in the Digital Age

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Randy Siegel

Government and Business Development at Purism, SPC

Latest posts by Randy Siegel (see all)

• Freedom of Choice vs. Oppression of Big Tech - November 6, 2024
• The Case for Free/Libre and Open-Source Software: Enhancing Security and Privacy in the Digital Age - October 22, 2024
• RIP RSA AES: The Immediate Need of Quantum-Resistant Cryptography - October 22, 2024

Given the 21st century world’s reliance on digital technology, it should go without saying that privacy and security are pressing concerns — for individuals as well as federal and corporate entities. With an abundance of tools at our disposal, however, how do we make informed decisions about which to use to best ensure sensitive information is safe from prying eyes? At Purism, we advocate for the use of Free/Libre and Open-Source Software (FLOSS / OSS) as a cornerstone of any secure and private digital environment.

Transparency and Trust

Open-source software is, first and foremost, honest. Instead of hiding its inner workings from public view, OSS allows anyone to inspect, modify, and enhance its code. In doing so, it also fosters a community of developers and users who can identify and address vulnerabilities much more swiftly than any bureaucratic megacorporation. Perhaps more importantly, when the source code is made available for scrutiny, it becomes much harder for malicious actors to insert backdoors or other nefarious elements without detection.

Community-Driven Security

Relying on a single entity for scrutiny risks systemic vulnerabilities. OSS’s global community of developers allows for a collaborative approach that is often both more efficient and effective. Indeed, with enough reviewers, all bugs can in principle be made shallow.

User Empowerment and Control

By obscuring its inner workings and source code, proprietary software subjects its users to the mercy of its creators’ whims, which extend from the UI to data policies and security priorities. Proprietary software can force restrictions that you do not want, because they’re tied to the parts that you do want. With OSS, however, users can take ownership over their software. They can customize it to meet their specific needs and preferences, ensuring that their privacy and security requirements are met. If a vendor forces undesirable restrictions, the community can create a better version that removes those restrictions.

Reduced Reliance on Big Tech

When you purchase and use proprietary software from a big tech company, you are also buying into that big tech company’s interests, policies, and support ecosystems. One can safely assume that most software from private companies (regardless of size, but perhaps even truer of those behemoth tech giants) is in some way collecting and monetizing user data.

Even if one were to overlook this unfortunate fact and think solely of that software’s usability, it can become a headache when that big company’s support systems are lacking.

OSS, on the other hand, is typically developed by independent communities or organizations with a commitment to user rights, privacy, and community assistance. By choosing OSS, users can reduce their reliance on big tech and mitigate the associated privacy concerns.

Long-Term Viability and Independence

If you purchase software from a large company, who is to say that that company will dedicate the resources necessary to preserve that software’s long-term functionality? With OSS, the community of users and developers can continue to maintain and improve the software even if the original developers abandon it. This sustainability is crucial for maintaining security and privacy over the long term.

Conclusion

When a large company decides to cut costs and sunset software that you rely on, what can you do? The answer is unfortunate: Nothing. With its transparency and community-driven development, OSS becomes a clear choice for those who not only value long-term viability but also privacy and security. While proprietary software can benefit from the resources of big tech, OSS can ensure a safer and more private digital future for all.

Purism Products and Availability Chart

	Model	Status	Lead Time
	Librem Key (Made in USA)	In Stock ($59+)	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 5	In Stock ($699+) 3GB/32GB	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 5 COMSEC Bundle	In Stock ($1299+) Qty 2; 3GB/32GB	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Liberty Phone (Made in USA Electronics)	Backorder ($1,999+) 4GB/128GB	Estimated fulfillment February	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 5 + SIMple (3 GB Data)	In Stock ($99/mo)	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 5 + SIMple Plus (5 GB Data)	In Stock ($129/mo)	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 5 + AweSIM (Unlimited Data)	In Stock ($169/mo)	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 11	In Stock ($999+) 8GB/1TB	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem 14	Backorder ($1,370+)	Estimated fulfillment December	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem Mini	Backorder ($799+)	10 business days	Learn More Buy Now
	Librem Server	In Stock ($2,999+)	45 business days	Learn More Buy Now