NLnet has awarded grants totaling €675,000 to eleven open-source projects focused on reclaiming the public internet. These projects aim to develop and improve decentralized, privacy-respecting alternatives to centralized platforms and services. The funded initiatives cover areas like peer-to-peer communication, distributed social networking, censorship-resistant content distribution, and decentralized identity management, all contributing to a more democratic and resilient online experience. The grants are part of NLnet's Commons Fund, which supports initiatives that foster open standards, protocols, and infrastructure.
The NLnet Foundation, a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the development and dissemination of open source software and open standards, particularly those relevant to an open and accessible internet, has proudly announced the allocation of substantial financial resources to a cohort of promising open-source projects. These projects, carefully selected through a rigorous and competitive evaluation process, share a common objective: to reclaim and reinforce the public, decentralized nature of the internet, countering the increasing trend towards centralized control and proprietary platforms. This funding initiative, generously supported by the Commons Fund, a philanthropic entity deeply committed to the preservation and enhancement of the digital commons, aims to bolster the development and adoption of technologies that empower individuals and communities to actively participate in shaping the future of the internet.
The chosen projects represent a diverse array of innovative solutions, each tackling a critical aspect of the modern internet landscape. These initiatives encompass a range of functionalities, from fostering secure and private communication channels and developing decentralized social networking platforms, to establishing robust and resilient infrastructure independent of centralized authorities and creating innovative tools for community-driven content moderation and governance. By providing essential financial support, the NLnet Foundation and the Commons Fund seek to catalyze the maturation and widespread implementation of these transformative technologies, empowering individuals to exercise greater control over their online experiences and contributing to a more democratic and equitable digital ecosystem. This proactive investment in open-source infrastructure and applications signals a significant commitment to safeguarding the principles of an open, accessible, and participatory internet for the benefit of all. The beneficiaries of this funding round are poised to make substantial contributions to the ongoing evolution of the internet, promoting its potential as a truly public resource and empowering individuals and communities to shape its future trajectory.
Summary of Comments ( 177 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43769482
Hacker News commenters generally expressed support for NLnet's funding of open-source internet infrastructure projects. Several highlighted the importance of decentralization and moving away from reliance on large corporations. Some questioned the viability or impact of certain projects, particularly Matrix, while others championed its potential. A few commenters discussed the challenges of funding and sustaining open-source projects long-term, suggesting alternative funding mechanisms and emphasizing the need for community involvement. There was also a thread discussing the definition of "public internet" and whether these projects genuinely contribute to it.
The Hacker News post "Open Source Projects Receive Funding to Reclaim the Public Internet" (linking to an NLnet foundation grants announcement) generated several comments discussing the funded projects and the overall initiative.
Several commenters expressed enthusiasm for specific projects. One commenter highlighted the "Public money, public code" approach being taken by the Guix project, praising its commitment to software freedom and transparency. They further emphasized the importance of reproducible builds in ensuring the integrity and verifiability of software. Another user expressed excitement about the funding awarded to Qubes OS, citing its unique security model based on virtualization. They saw this as a crucial step towards strengthening online privacy and security. Another commenter, seemingly familiar with Qubes, added that the funding is particularly relevant given the recent surge in sophisticated malware attacks.
There was a discussion around the significance of funding open-source infrastructure projects. A commenter emphasized the crucial, yet often overlooked, role of such projects in underpinning the internet. They pointed out how these projects often operate with limited resources and how such funding can significantly impact their sustainability and development. This sentiment was echoed by another user who lamented the historical underfunding of public infrastructure in the digital realm, expressing hope that initiatives like NLnet's would pave the way for a more robust and publicly owned internet infrastructure.
One commenter focused on the legal aspects of open source, drawing attention to the importance of licenses and emphasizing their role in guaranteeing software freedoms. They expressed concern that without proper licensing, the positive impact of such funding could be diminished.
Several users engaged in a discussion about the technical merits of different projects. One thread discussed the complexities of decentralized systems and their potential to address issues of censorship and control. Another thread debated the advantages and disadvantages of particular software development methodologies.
Finally, some commenters broadened the discussion to the larger philosophical implications of a "public internet." They discussed the ongoing tension between centralized platforms and decentralized alternatives, and the importance of initiatives like this in promoting a more open and democratic internet. They viewed funding for open-source projects as a crucial step towards reclaiming the internet as a public good, rather than a space dominated by corporate interests.