The FSF Tackles Mobile Freedom Where It Counts

Sat, 25 Oct 2025

For years, many of us in the free software movement have watched with a mixture of hope and frustration as the mobile computing world has exploded. Mobile phones have become the primary computing devices for many, yet they remain fortresses of proprietary control, locking people into systems that undermine their freedom. This is a profound ethical failing. Proprietary software gives developers unjust power over people, turning them into mere subjects in their digital kingdoms. Free software is the only moral solution to this problem, returning control to those who use the machines.

And that’s why the latest announcement from the Free Software Foundation has me genuinely excited: they’ve launched the “Librephone” project.

But the FSF’s Librephone project is different. It’s explicitly tackling the ethical core of the problem. They aren’t just trying to make Android nicer; they’re aiming to reverse-engineer and replace the fundamental proprietary components. This is the only mobile phone project I’m aware of that has been started precisely because of free software as an ethical issue, seeking to dismantle the unjust power structures embedded within mobile devices.

And what a brilliant choice to have Rob Savoye leading the charge! Rob’s a legendary engineer, with decades of experience in free software and embedded systems. His work speaks volumes about his capabilities and dedication. More than that, he’s a truly good person, deeply committed to the principles of software freedom. If anyone can navigate the complex labyrinth of proprietary firmware and emerge with a free software solution, it’s Rob.

I also extend my sincere gratitude to John Gilmore for his generous funding of this initial work. It’s individuals like him who make these crucial endeavors possible. His commitment to software freedom perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this project.

I understand that this will not be a quick fix. This is a monumental undertaking, probably years in the making. Decades of proprietary entanglement won’t be undone overnight. But the FSF is known for playing the long game, and I have every faith that their persistent, principled approach will yield results. I plan to keep a close eye on the Librephone project, awaiting updates and looking forward to seeing what the FSF, Rob, and the entire community working on this will achieve. This is a battle for our digital souls, and it’s heartening to see the FSF stepping up to fight it where it truly matters.