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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:
LinuxGNU 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]
(Score: 1) by KGIII on Tuesday May 26 2015, @01:57PM
Because you hope it and call it a critical flaw makes it a critical flaw and thus it should be stopped?
"So long and thanks for all the fish."
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 27 2015, @03:03AM
You don't see how needing to create some pieces of paper and pieces of metal and using them as a medium of exchange in order to create an incentive for people to do useful and necessary things demonstrates a flaw in humanity? If we can't do anything without our silly and arbitrary system of economics, then how is that not flawed? What if we did not need such silly things? That sounds much better and more efficient to me.
I didn't say it should be stopped. I said that it's a shame that it's necessary. I don't see it changing in the near future, but I hope it does change eventually.
(Score: 1) by KGIII on Wednesday May 27 2015, @04:25AM
You are assuming we can't do anything without it. Evidence (see many FOSS projects or people volunteering) exists contrary to that. The rewards of being paid are what motivate those who would not do it for free. They then exchange it for food, living, and entertainment. Some of them even save some of it. We are animals. Even trained circus animals do it for the rewards.
"So long and thanks for all the fish."
(Score: 2) by darkfeline on Wednesday May 27 2015, @11:33PM
Look at it this way: the possession of large amounts of these pieces of paper enables people to get away with the mass murder and slavery of other members of our species. Who does this enabling? Why, us of course!
I for one enjoy living in such a society. /sarcasm
Join the SDF Public Access UNIX System today!
(Score: 1) by KGIII on Thursday May 28 2015, @12:38AM
You do not think that would stop in a world without money do you? We did that long before we had money. Hell, where do you think Neanderthal went?
"So long and thanks for all the fish."