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posted by janrinok on Tuesday May 26 2015, @01:51AM   Printer-friendly
from the barbie-is-watching! dept.

El Reg published a story that quotes GNU evangelist and free-software advocate saying just about what we would expect him to say today about the current state of technology:

Linux GNU firebrand Richard Stallman says Windows and Mac OS are malware, Amazon is Orwellian, and anyone who trusts the internet-of-things is an ass. In a column for The Guardian, Stallman preaches to the non-technical masses about the evils of proprietary software and vendor lock-in, and how closed-door coding facilitates clandestine deals with nation state spy agencies.

"What kinds of programs constitute malware? Operating systems, first of all," Stallman testifies.

"Apple systems are malware too: MacOS snoops and shackles; iOS snoops, shackles, censors apps and has a backdoor.

"Even Android contains malware in a non-free component: a back door for remote forcible installation or de-installation of any app."

Stallman references a a Bloomberg report in saying Microsoft "sabotages" Windows users by disclosing vulnerabilities to the NSA before patches are released. It isn't just Windows and MacOS that Stallman brands malware: Barbie dolls, smart TVs, and cars also earn his ire thanks to the potential for marketers to secretly pry on a child's worst fears or listen in to lounge room conversations.

I'm not sure that I'm going to worry about Barbie dolls listening on conversations, but I understand his concerns. I have often wondered about the expansion of sophisticated computer technology into all aspects of life, such as in HDTVs and cars. The possibilities for abuse are many, and we have learned over recent years governments are not immune from exploiting vulnerabilities to commit serious crimes and violations of our civil liberties.


[Editor's Comment: Original Submission]

 
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  • (Score: 0, Insightful) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 26 2015, @11:23AM

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 26 2015, @11:23AM (#187962)

    Not really.

    RMS has been fighting the good fight since the early 80's. He has saved more people from atrocities than anyone else. Good deeds over the long term count for a lot more than good done once. This does not mean Snowden is not a hero.

    Snowden has done all he could, and he will not be hired by NSA (or a sister agency) ever again to get more evidence of state-sponsored terrorist activities.

    RMS has done so much good for so long and he is not finished yet. He will continue to inspire many more people and open their eyes to the harm that has been done to them.

    Its about time the world put a 500 foot tall statue of RMS some place it will be seen and people learn about his good work and why his work is so important.

    Starting Score:    0  points
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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 26 2015, @03:46PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Tuesday May 26 2015, @03:46PM (#188080)

    How is the parent troll?

    Remember, Troll != Disagree