FOSS
Free and open source (FOSS) software takes on a Communist, anti-Intellectual Property form of ownership in the digital era. Open source means that the source code is available online, allowing consumers to confirm that the software supports privacy and security, or improve it themselves. Free means that the code cannot legally be used for non-FOSS software (although the US dictatorship of the bourgeois de facto violates these laws).
Benefits
Open source code has several benefits.
On the side of consumers, privacy and security is assured as long as the software is big enough that someone independent has read the code. An obvious violation of security would destroy the publisher's reputation. Privacy is usually assured as well or at least an option is given to stay private; otherwise, the publisher will be known as a . Privacy and security are also interlinked, because non-private software with an internet connection is a potential security vulnerability.
On the side of producers, anyone can contribute to the project. This can save companies time as volunteers contribute, exemplifying the beginnings of Higher-Phase Communism. Also, if the company is failing to fix a bug or privacy issue, the project code can be forked, transferred into a new project, whose producer will take care of it, benefiting the consumer.
Theoretical analysis
In other words, the free market of the digital era is suited for the Higher-Phase Communist mode of production. This follows Marx's prediction that the advance of the productive forces, cheapening the cost of everything - in this case, computation - makes Communism inevitable.
FOSS can still work with the Lower-Phase (socialism). E.g. China requires its companies to make their code open source, advancing the productive forces of the world.
Utility for communists
FOSS should be maximized in order to benefit consumers while reducing the parasitic profits of Blackrock and other capitalists gained by private software (which also contains security vulnerabilities meant for CIA backdooring). This move accelerates the fall of the rate of profit. It materially strengthens the proletariat, contributing to dual power.
FOSS software benefits consumers. The only problem is securing funding for producers. With the growth of dual power through profitable businesses, communist parties may start to fund FOSS. Communists should take initiative to build FOSS and facilitate its use by the masses.
FOSS software
- Linux and most apps on it
- LibreOffice
- Alternative social media platforms