+ It occurred to me that when we announce ease.js it would be a good occasion to + post something about the importance of making JavaScript code free. + —Richard Stallman ++ +
+ GNU ease.js provides a set of unmatched and desirable features under a copyleft license, + which encourages developers to release their own code under a compatible free software license. + But not everyone may understand why this decision—and the urging of free + (as in freedom) JavaScript—are so fundamentally vital to the future of a + free and cooperative Internet that is accessible to everyone, + regardless of whether they exclusively use free software. +
+ ++ We need your help to protect the fundamental freedoms of Internet + users. This brief essay is an appeal to developers to develop free + software for the Web; it is heavily influenced by Richard Stallman's article + The JavaScript + Trap—which you should also read—and has been written with his + input. If you already write free JavaScript, then thank you. +
+ ++ Web pages increasingly include JavaScript code, which + raises the same ethical concerns as software written in any other + language: Non-free JavaScript can rob you of your right to study, + modify, and share the software that you are running. Unlike traditional + software, JavaScript usually enters your machine without prompting and often + without your knowledge—the simple act of visiting a web page may + install and execute a non-free program within your web browser. +
+ ++ JavaScript provides an often frictionless cross-platform distribution + mechanism that can be exploited without your permission; this amplifies + the effects of some of the most insidious anti-features, such as spying + on your activities and tracking your movements. If a web page executes + non-free code, how are you able to audit it (or have someone else do so + on your behalf) to ensure that it is not malicious? Further, how are + you or others able to modify the software to remove the malicious code? + (Unfortunately, the latter can be complicated even with free JavaScript, + but it can be done.) +
+ ++ But non-malicious programs sometimes need changes too. You deserve + control over all software that runs on your computer; why should you + sacrifice this freedom simply because JavaScript creates the illusion + of remote execution? +
+ ++ How many web sites have you visited today that download JavaScript + onto your computer? How many of them respect your freedoms? I chose + to license ease.js under the GPLv3+ because I believe that non-free + JavaScript should be eliminated, not enabled. Please help to spread + the word and join me in writing free JavaScript; without it, we will + have an Internet that is locked away from free software users; this is + not the spirit in which the Internet was created. +
+ +
+ Mike Gerwitz
+
+ Author of GNU ease.js
+