Protect Open Source Software Today!

On the 19th of July 2023, the European Parliament Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is voting on the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which would have severe consequences for the future of Open Source Software at large, including FileZilla.

Long story made short: all Open source software operates on a basic principle: producers offer the software freely, but without any liability or warranties for its use. The CRA goes against this principle by imposing unavoidable liability on producers of free software, requiring them to make their development, testing, and documentation activities much harder and complex. The most likely outcome of a similar approach won't be to make Open Source more secure, rather it would just let many volunteers and hobbyists stop developing and sharing Open Source.

To demonstrate our commitment to protecting Open Source Software and to raise awareness about the risks associated with the current text of the Cyber Resilience Act, we have made a significant decision. Today, we will not be making any version of the software available for download.

We believe that taking a stand is crucial to ensure that everyone, including the European Community (which includes many of our valued users), understands the potential ramifications of approving the Act in its current form. By doing so, we want to highlight the importance of listening to the concerns of open source communities and refining the Act to safeguard the accessibility and future of Open Source Software.

We kindly ask for your support in this endeavor. Please take a moment to contact your Members of the Eupean Parliament (MEPs) and express your protest against the current text of the Cyber Resilience Act. Let them know that you value and rely on free and open source software, and that it's essential for them to understand the implications and work with open source communities to address any potential issues.

Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference. Let us unite to protect the future of Open Source Software and the numerous benefits it provides to individuals and communities worldwide. If you want to know more we encourage you to watch the video Update on the European Cyber Resilience Act, by Mike Millinkovich, Executive Director at the Eclipse Foundation.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support,
The FileZilla project