The FreedomBox
[[!meta date="2011-03-08"]]
[[!tag project debian]]
FreedomBox is a project to develop a tiny box
usable by ordinary humans without special computer knowledge,
to help gain independence
from the disturbing centralization of internet services.
Skilled computer enthusiasts (geeks) have evolved a set of
common practices to stay in control of their personal privacy when online.
Unfortunately those practices often involve setting up complex systems
and interacting with text consoles.
Aim of FreedomBox is to provide those same
well-tested privacy-protecting practices for ordinary humans.
The physical box is (or will be) like an internet gateway or wifi router
but with three distinguishing features:
- Easy and intuitive to setup and personalize for non-geeks
- Offers routines to help you protect your privacy
- Offers routines to let you help others in need of privacy
"Privacy" is related to "secrecy" but not the same:
Privacy is having control of your own information,
deciding for yourself when you want to e.g. close the curtains
or the door to your bathroom.
I am [[involved|year]] in the project, treating it as a Debian Pure Blend.
January 2011 I gave an interview about my involvement.
I have since given talks on the subject at meetings and conferences
in [[Brussels|epfsug2]], [[Århus|kp]], [[Gothenburg|fscons]],
and [[Berlin|linuxtag]].
