Telepocalypse

Free at last

The IP-MoU initiative seeks to propose a set of “freedoms” for IP communications, thus:

Ensure that consumers worldwide are assured basic rights as users of IP communications.
* Freedom to Access Content: Consumers should have access to their choice of legal content;
* Freedom to Use Applications: Consumers should be able to run applications of their choice;
* Freedom to Attach Personal Devices: Consumers should be permitted to attach any devices they choose to the connection in their homes;
* Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information: Consumers should receive meaningful information regarding their service plans; and
* Protection of Consumer Privacy: Consumers should know that their personal information is safeguarded, except to the extent necessary to abide by law enforcement obligations.

This is, of course, extremely similar to the software libre freedoms propounded by the GNU Foundation:

* The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
* The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.
* The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor (freedom 2).
* The freedom to improve the program, and release your improvements to the public, so that the whole community benefits (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a precondition for this.

I suspect the coincidence is intentional.