Summary

Switzerland’s just adopted “The Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Performance of Government Tasks” (EMBAG). It mandates that all government software be open-source, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and reducing cost for the taxpayer. It requires all public bodies to disclose source code unless restricted by third-party rights or security concerns.

Breakdown

• EMAG mandates the release of non-personal, non-security-sensitive government data as open data.
• Professor Dr. Matias Sturmer led the fight for Switzerland's open-source law.
• The law aims to reduce IT costs and improve services for taxpayers.
• Open-source software allows governments to avoid being indefinitely stuck with a single vendor.
• Open-source government projects can serve as references for developers and businesses.
• Open-source software can address specific accessibility needs more effectively.
• Big open-source projects provide unique opportunities for learning and innovation.
• The US federal source code policy requires 20% of new custom-developed code to be open source.
• The US remains reluctant to adopt open-source software compared to European countries.
• The US government has some open-source projects like the US web design system.
• BBC's open-source code includes useful tools for UI design and responsive images.
• Germany switched from Microsoft to Linux and LibreOffice for government use.
• French President Macron supports open-source, reflecting a broader European trend.
• The European Union has initiatives like the Free and Open-Source software Auditing project (https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/digital-services/eu-fossa-2-free-and-open-source-software-auditing_en)