Source: Freepik
In our increasingly digital world, there are two important awareness days that underscore the importance of free and accessible digital spaces: Software Freedom Day and One Web Day. This year, the two awareness days took place on the same weekend, which is why we would like to dedicate this blog post to both days.
Software Freedom Day 2024: Freedom in the Digital Space
Software Freedom Day (SFD) is celebrated every year on the third Saturday in September. This year, it took place on September 21. The aim of this awareness day is to raise awareness of free software and its importance for an open digital society.
Free and open-source software offers users a cost-effective alternative to proprietary software and allows them to study, modify, and share the software according to their own needs.
Why is Free Software Relevant?
Open access to source codes enables developers and interested parties worldwide to learn from each other and create new solutions. At the same time, this promotes collaboration and networking even across national borders and strengthens global communities.
Communities around the world organize events on Software Freedom Day that range from workshops to discussion panels. The day is used to present new projects and promote the use of free software.
One Web Day 2024: A Fair and Open Internet for All
On September 22, the One Web Day followed, which has been celebrated since 2006. It aims to create awareness for a free, open, and accessible internet.
Important topics of One Web Day 2024 are therefore:
- Digital inclusion: Many people worldwide do not have access to the internet. Barriers such as poverty or geographical isolation prevent equal participation in the digital space.
- Security and privacy: The threat of cyber attacks, surveillance, and misuse of personal data is omnipresent. Protecting privacy and data security is crucial to ensuring a trustworthy and free internet.
One Web Day provides a platform to raise awareness of these issues and to show ways in which a just and inclusive digital future can be achieved.
What Do the Two Days Have in Common?
Software Freedom Day and One Web Day are closely related because both promote the values of openness, freedom, and accessibility. While Software Freedom Day focuses on technical freedom through open-source software, One Web Day highlights the social and political challenges of an open internet.
Both awareness days emphasize the importance of community and collaboration. Free software promotes the participation of people worldwide in technological innovation, while One Web Day highlights the need for free and equal access to the internet for all.
Responsible for the content of this article is Jelena Nikolić.
The following sources served as the basis for this article:
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