diff --git a/2025/02/24/eol/index.html b/2025/02/24/eol/index.html index 9b295e5..3763c1b 100644 --- a/2025/02/24/eol/index.html +++ b/2025/02/24/eol/index.html @@ -13,13 +13,13 @@ -
For a while now, I’ve been thinking about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in open source: what happens when your code is used for something you fundamentally disagree with?
-We celebrate open-source as this great force for collaboration, and in many ways, it is. But there’s a gap in how we think about responsibility. Right now, if you release software under a standard open-source license, you’re essentially saying: “Here, take this. Use it for whatever you want.” And that’s fine, until you realize that “whatever you want” includes things like mass surveillance, AI-driven discrimination, child exploitation networks, or even tools used to facilitate human trafficking.
-Some people argue that this is just the price of open-source – once you put code out there, it’s out of your hands. But I started asking myself: does it have to be?
+For a while now, I’ve been playing with a thought experiment: what happens when your code is used for something you fundamentally disagree with?
+Open source is great. It encourages collaboration, innovation, and accessibility. But what it doesn’t do is ask whether there should be any limits on how software is used. Right now, if you release something under a permissive license, you’re essentially saying: “Here, take this. Use it for whatever you want.” And sometimes, that “whatever” includes mass surveillance, AI-driven discrimination, or worse.
+Some people argue that this is just the price of open-source. Once you put code out there, it’s out of your hands. But I started wondering: does it have to be?
+(Fun fact: Apparently, just asking this question is enough to get your post removed from certain open-source communities. The conversation must be very settled, right?)
The Ethical Open License (EOL) is an attempt to build a licensing model that allows for openness while setting some fundamental ethical limitations. It’s not about restricting everyday users or preventing innovation. It’s about setting clear boundaries on how software can and can’t be used.
-Under EOL, your software for example cannot be used for:
+The Ethical Open License (EOL) is a hypothetical licensing model that explores whether open-source can include ethical restrictions. This isn’t about restricting everyday users or stifling innovation. It’s about setting clear boundaries on how software shouldn’t be used.
+Under EOL, your software cannot be used for:
This is about recognizing that technology has real-world consequences and that developers should have a say in how their work is applied.
+This raises a fair question: who decides what’s ethical? That’s something that would need clearer definition (which, to be fair, has been one of the biggest criticisms). But ignoring the question entirely doesn’t seem like the best answer either.
EOL follows a familiar open-source structure, but with added restrictions on unethical use. It grants users the right to:
+EOL would follow a familiar open-source structure, but with added restrictions on unethical use. It would grant users the right to:
However, if an entity is found to be violating the ethical clauses of the license, they lose their right to use the software. This is meant to create a tangible consequence for misuse while keeping the spirit of open-source collaboration intact.
+However, if an entity is found to be violating the ethical clauses of the license, they lose their right to use the software. This would be enforced through a defined process, ideally involving an independent review board (if one could exist without being a bureaucratic nightmare).
To avoid ambiguity, EOL also provides a defined process for addressing violations. This would ideally involve an independent review process where complaints can be filed, reviewed, and addressed based on available evidence.
If a violation is confirmed, the offending party is expected to cease the unethical use immediately or risk losing access to the software under the terms of the license.
+Of course, enforceability is a huge concern – another major critique. If bad actors don’t follow the law, why would they follow a license? That’s a fair point, but licensing isn’t always about stopping the worst offenders. Sometimes, it’s about setting expectations and norms.
One important question that comes up with any new license is: how does the cost model work?
EOL itself is, like most open-source licenses, free to use. Any developer, company, or organization can adopt the license without paying fees. However, the enforcement mechanisms and the potential establishment of an independent ethics review board (IERB) introduce some financial considerations.
@@ -296,16 +298,20 @@This model helps create a balance between free access for non-commercial use and fair compensation for commercial beneficiaries, ensuring that ethical oversight remains feasible without burdening smaller developers or independent contributors.
The idea has always been that developers provide the tools, and it’s not their job to dictate how those tools are used.
+(And Why They Might Be Right)
+The idea has always been that developers provide the tools, and it’s not their job to dictate how those tools are used.
But software isn’t neutral. A powerful AI model isn’t just some abstract tool – it actively shapes real-world outcomes. A social media algorithm doesn’t just recommend content – it determines what millions of people see and believe. And if we, as developers, recognize that, why should we act as if we have no role in what happens next?
That’s where EOL comes in – not as a perfect solution, but as a proposal for a different way of thinking about open-source responsibility.
+Okay, fair. It doesn’t fit the OSI definition, which says that open-source software must allow unrestricted use. If that’s the definition you go by, then sure, EOL isn’t open source. But if you see open source as something that can evolve, it’s at least worth talking about.
+Completely true. What’s considered ethical today might not be in 50 years. But laws and policies shift too, and we don’t abandon them just because they’re hard to define. The challenge isn’t that ethics change—it’s how to define them in a way that works.
+Honestly, that’s a solid argument. If a license introduces too much risk, companies won’t touch it. If something like EOL were to work, it would need very clear definitions and solid legal backing. Right now, it’s more of a conversation starter than a practical tool.
+True again. If someone wants to build something awful, they won’t stop because a license tells them not to. But a license isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about setting a precedent. Big companies do care about compliance, and even if this wouldn’t stop everything, it might influence how some organizations think about responsibility.
The Ethical Open License (EOL) 1.0 is now up on GitHub. It’s not a final product. It’s an open discussion. If you’re interested, check it out, share your thoughts, and let’s figure out if this is something that could work.
+I’m not saying EOL is the answer. I’m not even saying it’s a good answer. What I am saying is that open-source has a responsibility problem that’s at least worth thinking about. If the reaction is just “shut up, open source is freedom,” then maybe the conversation is overdue.
+The Ethical Open License (EOL) is up on GitHub. It’s not a finished product. It’s an open discussion. If you’re interested, check it out and let me know your thoughts.
-Whether this turns into something practical or just sparks a broader conversation, I’d call that a win.
-I don’t expect EOL to replace MIT, GPL, or any of the widely used licenses. But I do think it’s time we stop pretending that software is neutral.
-The way our code is used matters. And if we, as developers, have the ability to set ethical boundaries, why shouldn’t we?
+I don’t see EOL as a replacement for MIT, GPL, or other widely adopted licenses. But I do think it’s worth questioning the idea that software is inherently neutral.
+How our code gets used matters. And if we, as developers, have the ability to set ethical boundaries, why wouldn’t we consider it?
— Feb 24, 2025
diff --git a/archives/2025/02/index.html b/archives/2025/02/index.html index 8f980de..2efef56 100644 --- a/archives/2025/02/index.html +++ b/archives/2025/02/index.html @@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ diff --git a/archives/2025/index.html b/archives/2025/index.html index 99db3a3..5fa187d 100644 --- a/archives/2025/index.html +++ b/archives/2025/index.html @@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ diff --git a/archives/index.html b/archives/index.html index d06095d..f7d0ecf 100644 --- a/archives/index.html +++ b/archives/index.html @@ -227,7 +227,7 @@ diff --git a/atom.xml b/atom.xml index 9654684..b20ef39 100644 --- a/atom.xml +++ b/atom.xml @@ -6,32 +6,34 @@The purpose of this website is to give you a small overview about my projects, interests and opinions.
-Mail: tim.kicker@protonmail.com
+Mail: tim.kicker@protonmail.com
Twitter: @timjkicker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-kicker/
At the time of writing, all blogs were completely done by myself.
diff --git a/feed.json b/feed.json index ea80566..3859b81 100644 --- a/feed.json +++ b/feed.json @@ -7,9 +7,9 @@ { "id": "https://tim.kicker.dev/2025/02/24/eol/", "url": "https://tim.kicker.dev/2025/02/24/eol/", - "title": "The Ethical Open License (EOL) - Rethinking Open Source Responsibility", + "title": "Rethinking Open Source Responsibility (EOL)", "date_published": "2025-02-24T15:20:53.000Z", - "content_html": "For a while now, I’ve been thinking about something that doesn’t get talked about enough in open source: what happens when your code is used for something you fundamentally disagree with?
\nWe celebrate open-source as this great force for collaboration, and in many ways, it is. But there’s a gap in how we think about responsibility. Right now, if you release software under a standard open-source license, you’re essentially saying: “Here, take this. Use it for whatever you want.” And that’s fine, until you realize that “whatever you want” includes things like mass surveillance, AI-driven discrimination, child exploitation networks, or even tools used to facilitate human trafficking.
\nSome people argue that this is just the price of open-source – once you put code out there, it’s out of your hands. But I started asking myself: does it have to be?
\nThe Ethical Open License (EOL) is an attempt to build a licensing model that allows for openness while setting some fundamental ethical limitations. It’s not about restricting everyday users or preventing innovation. It’s about setting clear boundaries on how software can and can’t be used.
\nUnder EOL, your software for example cannot be used for:
\nThis is about recognizing that technology has real-world consequences and that developers should have a say in how their work is applied.
\nEOL follows a familiar open-source structure, but with added restrictions on unethical use. It grants users the right to:
\nHowever, if an entity is found to be violating the ethical clauses of the license, they lose their right to use the software. This is meant to create a tangible consequence for misuse while keeping the spirit of open-source collaboration intact.
\nTo avoid ambiguity, EOL also provides a defined process for addressing violations. This would ideally involve an independent review process where complaints can be filed, reviewed, and addressed based on available evidence.
\nIf a violation is confirmed, the offending party is expected to cease the unethical use immediately or risk losing access to the software under the terms of the license.
\nOne important question that comes up with any new license is: how does the cost model work?
\nEOL itself is, like most open-source licenses, free to use. Any developer, company, or organization can adopt the license without paying fees. However, the enforcement mechanisms and the potential establishment of an independent ethics review board (IERB) introduce some financial considerations.
\nSelf-Governance (Free Model) – In its simplest form, projects adopting EOL could rely on community-driven enforcement, where violations are reported and discussed publicly. This keeps costs low but relies heavily on volunteer effort and public pressure.
\nEthics Review Board (IERB) – If a formal IERB were established, it would require funding for:
\nThis could be supported through:
\nHybrid Approach – A mix of self-governance and optional paid enforcement. Smaller projects could rely on community oversight, while larger commercial users could opt into a paid compliance system that helps fund ethical review and enforcement.
\nThe exact cost model isn’t set in stone – it’s something that would need to be refined based on community feedback and practical needs. The core idea, however, is that ethical enforcement doesn’t have to be a barrier to open-source adoption, but it does require some thought into sustainability.
\nI’m still not entirely sure if a royalty model is the right approach or if it would actually be beneficial. The idea is to create a way for large-scale commercial users to contribute back to the ethical enforcement of open-source projects, but whether this is the best method is something that needs further discussion.
\nAnother aspect of EOL is its royalty model for commercial use. While individuals, nonprofits, and small companies can use the software freely, larger companies generating significant revenue directly from EOL-licensed software are expected to contribute back to the ecosystem.
\nAnnual Gross Revenue | \nRoyalty Rate | \n
---|---|
Less than $1,000,000 | \n0% | \n
$1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | \n1% | \n
More than $5,000,000 | \n2% | \n
These royalties are calculated based on annual gross revenue directly attributable to the software or its derivative work. The goal is to ensure that successful commercial ventures built on EOL-licensed software contribute fairly to its maintenance and ethical enforcement.
\nFunds collected through royalties can be allocated toward:
\nThis model helps create a balance between free access for non-commercial use and fair compensation for commercial beneficiaries, ensuring that ethical oversight remains feasible without burdening smaller developers or independent contributors.
\nThe idea has always been that developers provide the tools, and it’s not their job to dictate how those tools are used.
\nBut software isn’t neutral. A powerful AI model isn’t just some abstract tool – it actively shapes real-world outcomes. A social media algorithm doesn’t just recommend content – it determines what millions of people see and believe. And if we, as developers, recognize that, why should we act as if we have no role in what happens next?
\nThat’s where EOL comes in – not as a perfect solution, but as a proposal for a different way of thinking about open-source responsibility.
\nThe Ethical Open License (EOL) 1.0 is now up on GitHub. It’s not a final product. It’s an open discussion. If you’re interested, check it out, share your thoughts, and let’s figure out if this is something that could work.
\n\nWhether this turns into something practical or just sparks a broader conversation, I’d call that a win.
\nI don’t expect EOL to replace MIT, GPL, or any of the widely used licenses. But I do think it’s time we stop pretending that software is neutral.
\nThe way our code is used matters. And if we, as developers, have the ability to set ethical boundaries, why shouldn’t we?
\n", + "content_html": "For a while now, I’ve been playing with a thought experiment: what happens when your code is used for something you fundamentally disagree with?
\nOpen source is great. It encourages collaboration, innovation, and accessibility. But what it doesn’t do is ask whether there should be any limits on how software is used. Right now, if you release something under a permissive license, you’re essentially saying: “Here, take this. Use it for whatever you want.” And sometimes, that “whatever” includes mass surveillance, AI-driven discrimination, or worse.
\nSome people argue that this is just the price of open-source. Once you put code out there, it’s out of your hands. But I started wondering: does it have to be?
\n(Fun fact: Apparently, just asking this question is enough to get your post removed from certain open-source communities. The conversation must be very settled, right?)
\nThe Ethical Open License (EOL) is a hypothetical licensing model that explores whether open-source can include ethical restrictions. This isn’t about restricting everyday users or stifling innovation. It’s about setting clear boundaries on how software shouldn’t be used.
\nUnder EOL, your software cannot be used for:
\nThis raises a fair question: who decides what’s ethical? That’s something that would need clearer definition (which, to be fair, has been one of the biggest criticisms). But ignoring the question entirely doesn’t seem like the best answer either.
\nEOL would follow a familiar open-source structure, but with added restrictions on unethical use. It would grant users the right to:
\nHowever, if an entity is found to be violating the ethical clauses of the license, they lose their right to use the software. This would be enforced through a defined process, ideally involving an independent review board (if one could exist without being a bureaucratic nightmare).
\nTo avoid ambiguity, EOL also provides a defined process for addressing violations. This would ideally involve an independent review process where complaints can be filed, reviewed, and addressed based on available evidence.
\nIf a violation is confirmed, the offending party is expected to cease the unethical use immediately or risk losing access to the software under the terms of the license.
\nOf course, enforceability is a huge concern – another major critique. If bad actors don’t follow the law, why would they follow a license? That’s a fair point, but licensing isn’t always about stopping the worst offenders. Sometimes, it’s about setting expectations and norms.
\nOne important question that comes up with any new license is: how does the cost model work?
\nEOL itself is, like most open-source licenses, free to use. Any developer, company, or organization can adopt the license without paying fees. However, the enforcement mechanisms and the potential establishment of an independent ethics review board (IERB) introduce some financial considerations.
\nSelf-Governance (Free Model) – In its simplest form, projects adopting EOL could rely on community-driven enforcement, where violations are reported and discussed publicly. This keeps costs low but relies heavily on volunteer effort and public pressure.
\nEthics Review Board (IERB) – If a formal IERB were established, it would require funding for:
\nThis could be supported through:
\nHybrid Approach – A mix of self-governance and optional paid enforcement. Smaller projects could rely on community oversight, while larger commercial users could opt into a paid compliance system that helps fund ethical review and enforcement.
\nThe exact cost model isn’t set in stone – it’s something that would need to be refined based on community feedback and practical needs. The core idea, however, is that ethical enforcement doesn’t have to be a barrier to open-source adoption, but it does require some thought into sustainability.
\nI’m still not entirely sure if a royalty model is the right approach or if it would actually be beneficial. The idea is to create a way for large-scale commercial users to contribute back to the ethical enforcement of open-source projects, but whether this is the best method is something that needs further discussion.
\nAnother aspect of EOL is its royalty model for commercial use. While individuals, nonprofits, and small companies can use the software freely, larger companies generating significant revenue directly from EOL-licensed software are expected to contribute back to the ecosystem.
\nAnnual Gross Revenue | \nRoyalty Rate | \n
---|---|
Less than $1,000,000 | \n0% | \n
$1,000,000 - $5,000,000 | \n1% | \n
More than $5,000,000 | \n2% | \n
These royalties are calculated based on annual gross revenue directly attributable to the software or its derivative work. The goal is to ensure that successful commercial ventures built on EOL-licensed software contribute fairly to its maintenance and ethical enforcement.
\nFunds collected through royalties can be allocated toward:
\nThis model helps create a balance between free access for non-commercial use and fair compensation for commercial beneficiaries, ensuring that ethical oversight remains feasible without burdening smaller developers or independent contributors.
\n(And Why They Might Be Right)
\nThe idea has always been that developers provide the tools, and it’s not their job to dictate how those tools are used.
\nBut software isn’t neutral. A powerful AI model isn’t just some abstract tool – it actively shapes real-world outcomes. A social media algorithm doesn’t just recommend content – it determines what millions of people see and believe. And if we, as developers, recognize that, why should we act as if we have no role in what happens next?
\nThat’s where EOL comes in – not as a perfect solution, but as a proposal for a different way of thinking about open-source responsibility.
\nOkay, fair. It doesn’t fit the OSI definition, which says that open-source software must allow unrestricted use. If that’s the definition you go by, then sure, EOL isn’t open source. But if you see open source as something that can evolve, it’s at least worth talking about.
\nCompletely true. What’s considered ethical today might not be in 50 years. But laws and policies shift too, and we don’t abandon them just because they’re hard to define. The challenge isn’t that ethics change—it’s how to define them in a way that works.
\nHonestly, that’s a solid argument. If a license introduces too much risk, companies won’t touch it. If something like EOL were to work, it would need very clear definitions and solid legal backing. Right now, it’s more of a conversation starter than a practical tool.
\nTrue again. If someone wants to build something awful, they won’t stop because a license tells them not to. But a license isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about setting a precedent. Big companies do care about compliance, and even if this wouldn’t stop everything, it might influence how some organizations think about responsibility.
\nI’m not saying EOL is the answer. I’m not even saying it’s a good answer. What I am saying is that open-source has a responsibility problem that’s at least worth thinking about. If the reaction is just “shut up, open source is freedom,” then maybe the conversation is overdue.
\nThe Ethical Open License (EOL) is up on GitHub. It’s not a finished product. It’s an open discussion. If you’re interested, check it out and let me know your thoughts.
\n\nI don’t see EOL as a replacement for MIT, GPL, or other widely adopted licenses. But I do think it’s worth questioning the idea that software is inherently neutral.
\nHow our code gets used matters. And if we, as developers, have the ability to set ethical boundaries, why wouldn’t we consider it?
\n", "tags": [] }, { diff --git a/index.html b/index.html index 95c943d..6eb8a52 100644 --- a/index.html +++ b/index.html @@ -235,7 +235,7 @@ diff --git a/newPost.json b/newPost.json index e8ac35e..fafc297 100644 --- a/newPost.json +++ b/newPost.json @@ -1 +1 @@ -{"title":"The Ethical Open License (EOL) - Rethinking Open Source Responsibility","id":"2025/02/24/eol/","date_published":"02/24/2025","summary":"","url":"https://tim.kicker.dev/2025/02/24/eol/","tags":[],"categories":[]} \ No newline at end of file +{"title":"Rethinking Open Source Responsibility (EOL)","id":"2025/02/24/eol/","date_published":"02/24/2025","summary":"","url":"https://tim.kicker.dev/2025/02/24/eol/","tags":[],"categories":[]} \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/rss.xml b/rss.xml index d12f5d1..3c8647d 100644 --- a/rss.xml +++ b/rss.xml @@ -9,33 +9,35 @@