Happy 20th birthday, ANSOL!

~marado
Sat, 09 Oct 2021 19:12:29 +0000

Today we celebrated the 20th anniversary of ANSOL, the Portuguese Free Software Association. It has been an honor to be part of the history of this still young association, and here's hope for an active 20 years more - I'll gladly celebrate its 40th!

In these past 20 years, ANSOL worked on many issues, but if I had to highlight 3, I'd point out:

the fight against Software Patents in Europe - which stopped (or stalled?) software patents;

the Open Standards Law in Portugal - ahead of the curve;

the Portuguese anti-DRM law.

But there are many more challenges ahead... and our victories aren't closed books.

The Unified Patent Court in Europe is about to become a reality, and with it Software Patents;

The Open Standards Law in Portugal exists, but in practice it is isn't being actually applied;

And while we have a good protection against DRM in law (as far as we can within the EU, thanks to InfoSoc), there is now a covert attempt to water it down.

So, what now? Well, there is plenty to do: we should ensure we don't loose the Freedoms we have achieved, and we should strive to get those we still didn't get.

There is plenty more to do, and you can help.

If you're in Portugal, join ANSOL. If you're in Europe, FSFE will appreciate your contribution. If you're in Latin America, here's your link. In India, join here. Based in North America, with worldwide mission, there's FSF.

Of course, as we could see in those who have joined ANSOL in today's celebration, there is plenty beyond the realm of software. Consider getting to know Wikimedia Portugal or the Wikimedia Foundation, Direitos Digitais in Portugal and EDRI in Europe or EFF overseas.

Let's shape the future, together.