I think there is a much stronger argument for tech businesses being forced to finance and support FOSS. They are the ones directly benefiting from the free work.
Not a clue how to force that though, would probably need to be via some form of regulation. I can’t think of any good way to do it without leaving gaping loopholes for abuse. :(
Why just tech companies? Why not every industry that relies on open source software?
Quite frankly I do not see the point of crafting legislation this tailored, just fund it from general government resources and then generally tax the rich more.
The link is just a lot more direct, and easier to audit.
A car mechanic buys some software from a company, internally it uses FOSS. Now they have to support the project? They might not even know it uses FOSS internally, I never read those licence things.
Doing it via taxation is probably the easiest option, but then it runs into the problem of country X paying for support, and country Y gets to freeload.
I think there is a much stronger argument for tech businesses being forced to finance and support FOSS. They are the ones directly benefiting from the free work.
Not a clue how to force that though, would probably need to be via some form of regulation. I can’t think of any good way to do it without leaving gaping loopholes for abuse. :(
The EU passed laws that require companies (under conditions) to ensure base requirements in their supply chain.
I think a digital equivalent could be possible and similar. Requiring reasonable security and sustainability assessment.
It’s not very obvious or simple to enforce, but would set requirements, and open up opportunities for fines and prosecution.
Why just tech companies? Why not every industry that relies on open source software?
Quite frankly I do not see the point of crafting legislation this tailored, just fund it from general government resources and then generally tax the rich more.
The link is just a lot more direct, and easier to audit.
A car mechanic buys some software from a company, internally it uses FOSS. Now they have to support the project? They might not even know it uses FOSS internally, I never read those licence things.
Doing it via taxation is probably the easiest option, but then it runs into the problem of country X paying for support, and country Y gets to freeload.