Several European countries are betting on open-source software. In the United States, eh, not so much. In the latest news from across the Atlantic, Switzerland has taken a major step forward with its “Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfillment of Government Tasks” (EMBAG). This groundbreaking legislation mandates using open-source software (OSS) in the public sector.
This new law requires all public bodies to disclose the source code of software developed by or for them unless third-party rights or security concerns prevent it. This “public money, public code” approach aims to enhance government operations’ transparency, security, and efficiency.
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Source: Switzerland now requires all government software to be open source | ZDNET
The Netherlands has a similar law, but you would be amazed how flimsy the accepted excuses are that claim that software should be delivered under a closed-source exception.
Robin Edgar
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