The recent event, involving GitHub – an open-source software repository service, has sparked colossal concerns about the potential misuse of such platforms. A provocative app was created on GitHub, breaching personal boundaries by using stolen images from women’s social media accounts and encouraging users to bid for them. The Indian Computer Emergency Response System (Cert-In) is set to establish a high-level committee to address this issue.
Decoding GitHub and the Essence of Open-Source
Regarded as the largest global platform for open-source developers, GitHub allows programmers to upload, view, edit, and modify their projects. The software it uses is Git, an innovation of Linus Trovalds in 2005, who is also the creator of the open-source operating system Linux. Git is used primarily to track changes in file sets and coordinate software activities.
Open-source denotes a concept where its design is publicly accessible, allowing people to modify and share it. This approach celebrates principles like open exchange, collaborative participation, rapid prototyping, transparency, meritocracy, and community-oriented development.
Exploring Open Source Software (OSS)
OSS refers to the distribution of software along with its source code, which makes it open for use, modification, and distribution with its original rights intact. The source code essentially governs a computer program or application’s behavior, manipulated by programmers. OSS generally comes with a license that permits programmers to adjust the software to meet their needs and decide on its distribution method.
The concept of freely accessible source code was ideated in 1983 by Richard Stallman, an MIT programmer. Linux, Mozilla Firefox, VLC media player, and SugarCRM are just some examples of OSS.
Closed Source or Proprietary Software Explained
Proprietary software, or closed source software, is that which keeps its source code secured and encrypted. This type of software restricts the user from copying, modifying, or deleting parts of the code without facing potential consequences.
The Government’s Stance on OSS
In 2015, the Indian government issued a policy regarding the adoption of OSS. Additionally, a separate project named Free and Open Source Software for Education (FOSSEE) was launched to promote the use of OSS in educational institutions. This initiative not only provides instructional materials and documentation but also conducts awareness programmes such as conferences, training workshops, and internships. The government even made the Android version of the Aarogya Setu app open-source in line with GovTech 3.0.
GovTech 3.0 is aimed at creating Open Digital Ecosystems (ODEs), suggesting the government’s commitment to forming digital common spaces.
Addressing Misuse: A Way Forward
The recent misuse of GitHub underscores the urgent need for institutional action against the culprits. Merely removing the offensive app will not suffice. It’s crucial to impose consequences on such criminal behavior to avoid encouraging impunity.