Linqa is a bilingual collaboration platform whose code is Free Software and developed using public money. It helps the daily work of the Franco-German Forum for the Future, a public institution that fosters collaboration among actors in France and Germany. We dive into the roots of Linqa with the people behind it.
Linqa emphasizes significance as Free Software. This platform is utilized by the Franco-German Forum for the Future, serving as an example of how public resources can be harnessed to create software that is open and accessible. The initiative aligns with the Public Money? Public Code! (PMPC) principle, which advocates that software developed with public funds should be available as Free Software. The use of such software can enhance the efficiency of public administration while simultaneously reinforcing digital infrastructure in the public interest.
The article highlights the role of Lale Eckardt, a key figure behind Linqa, who asserts that public investments in software development should not only streamline governmental operations but also promote openness and accessibility. By championing the PMPC principle, the initiative has garnered support from over 200 organizations and 35,000 individuals, indicating a robust backing for Free Software in public governance. This creates a ripple effect that enhances democratic values and safeguards user rights.
Furthermore, touches upon the broader implications of adopting Free Software. It underscores the idea that by empowering citizens with the ability to use, study, share, and improve software, essential rights such as freedom of speech, press, and privacy are also supported. The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) emphasizes the importance of these freedoms in ensuring that technology acts as an enabler rather than a restriction in daily life.
- Linqa Platform:
- Bilingual collaboration tool developed using public funding.
- Supports the Franco-German Forum for the Future.
- PMPC Initiative:
- Advocates for public-funded software to be available as Free Software.
- Supported by over 200 organizations and 35,000 individuals.
- Public and Democratic Benefits:
- Enhances operational efficiency in public administration.
- Strengthens digital infrastructure for public interest.
- Importance of Free Software:
- Empowers users’ rights to use, study, share, and improve software.
- Supports fundamental rights like freedom of speech and privacy.
To read the full article, visit https://fsfe.org/news/2024/news-20240726-01.html