With digital privacy being the order of the day, it’s no surprise that several people across the globe have mobilised into groups that have taken a stand for issues like net neutrality and freedom of software. Scandals like Cambridge Analytica data collection have only raised more concerns. In lieu of all this, the Free Software Foundation Tamil Nadu (FSFTN) has taken to spreading awareness.

Citizens being taught net neutrality and freedom of software at a session held by FSFTN earlier

Chennai:

This weekend, the forum will celebrate Software Freedom Day, an occasion that is observed globally with a goal to educate the public about the benefits of using free software in education, in government, at home, and in business centres, etc. 

L Mugunthan, who is an executive member at FSFTN, said, “We have been constantly trying to promote alternatives to the software we use – such as Linux instead of the likes of Windows or iOS. People don’t understand the advantages and how transparent using free software can be. Privacy is increased, anyone can contribute to the development, and there are risks from viruses. We are contributing to a global movement.”

Open source software also promotes accountability, and free market competition and creates lots of business opportunities. It accommodates everybody, from beginner to expert, from children to elders. This is the prime reason corporates use it, said Mugunthan.

“We have software engineers, students, professors, physicists, mathematicians, among others in our group, and we have also tied up with over 20 colleges across the state. Apart from educating people on free software, we tackle issues such as fighting for net neutrality and digital privacy and helping to provide intellectual properly tech solutions,” he said.

Speaking about the group members, Mugunthan – who works at a software company -- added that all of them have full-time jobs, but meet over the weekend to continue this crusade.

He said that their celebration of Software Freedom Day this Sunday at Madras School of Social Work from 9am, is open to the public and is aimed at teaching them the basic essentials of digital privacy. “There is even a free alternative to MS Word and more people should know about this. We will also have several students present at about 20 stalls, explaining concepts to the audience and there will be short talks on this topic as well,” said Mungunthan.