Switzerland has enacted the "Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks" (EMBAG), establishing a mandatory requirement for open source software within public sector bodies.
  • stuner@lemmy.world
    0·
    6 months ago

    This “new law” was passed more than a year ago… But, it’s still a step in the right direction.

  • CrinterScaked@sh.itjust.works
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    6 months ago

    all public bodies must disclose the source code of software developed by or for them, unless precluded by third-party rights or security concerns

    So this effectively changes nothing.

    • magguzu@lemmy.ml
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      6 months ago

      I wouldn’t be surprised if there are hardcoded credentials in places and that’s enough for them to be able to say they can’t lol

      • unexposedhazard@discuss.tchncs.de
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        6 months ago

        Idk if that would hold up in court. This law is completely dependant on the technical competence of the judges that will use it. It can be worthless, it can be strong.

    • tristan@aussie.zone
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      6 months ago

      I’m curious who is the arbitrator for what’s a valid security concern or not. If it’s done by an independent group, it might make it harder to get around. If it’s self disclosed, then yeah nothing will change

    • robber@lemmy.ml
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      6 months ago

      Swiss lemming here. Switzerland already open-sourced multiple projects before, most notably the app to store your COVID test / vaccination status in. It was even officially available on F-Droid. I was very suprised at that point, and I’m happy to see that there are now efforts to make such behavior more default and less edge case, even when there are exceptions.