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TOWARDS DIGITAL SOVEREIGNTY THROUGH FREE SOFTWARE
Unlike proprietary software, free software is software whose licences grant the right to use, study, modify and redistribute it freely. It is often developed in collaboration with developer communities through open-source code.
NOTE TO POLICYMAKERS : Short version: 6 pages (in French)
OPEN SOURCE ADVOCACY : Extended version, 100 pages (in French)
Why use free software?
COST REDUCTION
One of the main advantages of free software lies in its gratuitous nature, or at least its cost being significantly lower than that of proprietary counterparts. This characteristic attracts both individuals and companies, allowing them to markedly reduce their IT budgets while maintaining the quality of the tools used daily. Cost reduction is especially linked to the acquisition of licenses, which are mostly free. Once free software is obtained, its principal asset resides in its ability to be copied infinitely, which is particularly cost‑effective when it must be deployed on a large scale.
INCREASED INDEPENDENCE
Free software allows users to retain a certain independence from the vendor. With the source code in hand, the user is not under total constraint of a single supplier and can invoke competition. Moreover, the standardization of languages and protocols can also facilitate the change of provider.
The independence sought from major vendors is often a driver leading to free software. Users have the freedom not to follow modifications and updates if they wish, continuing on older versions. The cessation of support for a software, forcing a migration to a newer version or an alternative solution, can entail significant costs; this is therefore an additional reason for businesses and public administrations to consider free software.
ESSENTIAL CONDITIONS FOR SOVEREIGN INFRA‑TECH
Sovereign infra‑tech refers to the use and development of essential technological infrastructures within a country to guarantee its digital sovereignty, protect its data, and its critical services. By favoring the use of national or locally controlled technological solutions while minimizing dependence on foreign solutions, free software emerges as a noteworthy alternative for building sovereign infra‑tech. It provides more direct control over strategic technological infrastructures by granting greater technological independence from vendors.
Why should States resort to free software to build their sovereign Infra‑Tech?
Re‑claiming sovereignty, a form of independence both from non‑European suppliers and a maneuvering space for a genuine industrial policy that enables Europe to retain control over its technologies, its data, and preserve jobs on its territory.
An autonomous policy that transcends borders thanks to green code.
Assurance that there are no backdoors, hidden entries in the software that could allow malicious actors to infiltrate.
Democratic guarantee because free software promotes transparency.
