2022-06-09 –, OW2con main virtual room
The number of devices on which users cannot run Free Software is exponentially
increasing. The consequence is an increased loss of control over users’ technology.
Device neutrality is the policy concept that users should have the right of non-
discrimination of the services and software they use, based on platform control by
hardware vendors, manufacturers and service providers. It is a concept that involves the
fair and non-discriminatory use of Free Software in devices. The talk will explain why Free Software is fundamental to implement Device Neutrality.
While the use of digital devices is increasing and its dependence is growing, control
over the hardware and access to the software layer is increasingly being limited by
gatekeepers which grant access and control over devices in a discriminatory fashion.
Device neutrality is the policy concept that users should have the right of non-
discrimination of the services and software they use, based on platform control by
hardware vendors, manufacturers and service providers. It is a concept that involves the
fair and non-discriminatory use of Free Software in application and operating system
layers of devices.
The talk will present the demands the FSFE has brought in latest legislative processes in the EU and will focus on the policy principles.
As a legal counsel, Lucas has background in contract and technology Law. Prior to FSFE, Lucas had experience in Brazil and Russia with e-commerce, transfer of technology, telecommunications and arbitration. Over the years he got experience in the academic sector as well, achieving a Master and PhD in law. For him Free Software is a precondition for a safe, neutral and healthy digital environment.