The Document Foundation (TDF) promotes open source software and free software through its public activities, community engagement and support for user freedom. TDF is a globally recognized free and open-source software (FOSS) organization, well-known for the popularity of its flagship project, LibreOffice, especially in Europe where it was founded over 20 years ago.
Focus on Free Software Adoption
TDF is committed to promoting the adoption of free software and the freedom of users to choose their hardware, operating systems, and software, particularly in public administrations (especially in schools and universities).
This focus includes practical issues that affect users every day: access to software, the ability to work with open tools, and the possibility for public organizations to choose solutions that match their needs. In this context, LibreOffice is presented as TDF's flagship project and as a concrete example of free and open-source software used for office productivity.
Strengthening Public Policy Activities
In December 2022, the TDF board decided to enhance its public policy activities in Europe by sponsoring travels to events organized by Open Forum Europe (OFE) and the European Commission on public policy-related issues.
These public policy activities are connected to discussions that may affect free software projects, communities and users. By taking part in events and meetings, TDF can contribute comments and raise issues related to free software adoption, user choice and public administration use.
Impact on Cyber Resilience Act
TDF's activities have primarily focused on amending the proposal for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which could negatively affect free software in general.
The Cyber Resilience Act is therefore a central topic in this article. The information below summarizes the steps mentioned: a commentary document, meetings with other free software projects, participation in a FOSDEM roundtable, discussions with DIGIT and a planned meeting organized by the Swedish government.
Contribution to the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The first step involved drafting a commentary document on the CRA (Cyber Resilience Act) on the "Have Your Say" platform provided by the European Commission.
This step allowed TDF to present comments on the proposal through an official European Commission platform. The article specifically mentions the CRA because the proposal could have a negative impact on free software in general.
Participation in Meetings and Conferences
TDF also participated in meetings with representatives from other free software projects organized by OFE (OpenForum Europe). Additionally, the organization took part in a dedicated roundtable organized by free software associations during the FOSDEM conference.
These meetings and conferences brought together organizations and representatives already involved in free software. The exchanges mentioned in the article are linked to public policy-related issues and to the discussions surrounding the Cyber Resilience Act.
Discussions with DIGIT
In March 2023, TDF engaged in discussions with representatives from DIGIT, the department of the European Commission responsible for information technology policies, to address the potentially negative impact of the CRA.
DIGIT is identified here as the European Commission department responsible for information technology policies. The discussions mentioned focused on the possible negative effects of the CRA on free software.
Meeting Hosted by the Swedish Government
In April 2023, TDF plans to participate in a meeting organized by the Swedish government, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the European Commission. The Cyber Resilience Act will be at the center of discussions during this meeting.
TDF hopes that its joint efforts with other foundations, communities, and free software organizations will contribute to the development of an improved proposal regarding the Cyber Resilience Act.
Summary of TDF Public Policy Actions
| Period or event | Action mentioned | Main topic |
|---|---|---|
| December 2022 | The TDF board decided to enhance public policy activities in Europe. | Public policy, free software and European discussions |
| CRA commentary document | TDF drafted a commentary document on the European Commission's "Have Your Say" platform. | Cyber Resilience Act |
| OFE meetings | TDF participated in meetings with representatives from other free software projects. | Free software and public policy-related issues |
| FOSDEM roundtable | TDF took part in a dedicated roundtable organized by free software associations. | Cyber Resilience Act and free software |
| March 2023 | TDF engaged in discussions with representatives from DIGIT. | Potentially negative impact of the CRA |
| April 2023 | TDF plans to participate in a meeting organized by the Swedish government. | Cyber Resilience Act discussions |
Key Organizations and Terms Mentioned
- The Document Foundation (TDF): the free and open-source software organization behind LibreOffice.
- LibreOffice: TDF's flagship project, mentioned as a popular free and open-source software project.
- Open Forum Europe (OFE): the organization that organized meetings with representatives from other free software projects.
- European Commission: the institution providing the "Have Your Say" platform and connected to the public policy discussions mentioned.
- DIGIT: the department of the European Commission responsible for information technology policies.
- FOSDEM: the conference where free software associations organized a dedicated roundtable.
- Cyber Resilience Act (CRA): the proposal at the center of TDF's activities described in this article.
FAQ about TDF and Open Source Software Promotion
What is The Document Foundation?
The Document Foundation, or TDF, is a globally recognized free and open-source software organization. It is known for its flagship project, LibreOffice.
What is TDF promoting?
TDF promotes the adoption of free software and the freedom of users to choose their hardware, operating systems and software, especially in public administrations such as schools and universities.
What role does LibreOffice play in this article?
LibreOffice is mentioned as TDF's flagship project and as a well-known free and open-source software project, especially in Europe.
Why is the Cyber Resilience Act mentioned?
The Cyber Resilience Act is mentioned because TDF's activities have focused on amending the proposal, which could negatively affect free software in general.
Which organizations or events are linked to TDF's public policy activities?
The article mentions Open Forum Europe, the European Commission, DIGIT, FOSDEM and a meeting organized by the Swedish government.
Conclusion
TDF's work described here focuses on open source software promotion, free software adoption and participation in European public policy discussions. The Cyber Resilience Act remains the main topic of the actions mentioned, with contributions involving the European Commission, OFE, DIGIT, FOSDEM and other free software organizations.
