Yes, I feel the same way you do. I really don’t want to add to the download metrics. I’m making an exception this time. Some good journalists, for example Richard Chambers (Ireland), have downloaded it to test and debunk claims made by Musk about safeguards. I think their contribution was a net positive. So there are cases where it’s worth doing.

I did not need to open the app once. Just downloading it allowed me to complain to apple using the link above. I feel when it comes to a CSAM factory such as this (possibly even trained on CSAM material), and with EU headquarters in my country (Ireland), I have to report it so Apple cannot claim ignorance. Who knows, maybe a whistleblower will someday tell us how many reports there were. Unfortunately our leaders are not leading on this issue, so the social contract is broken and we should all (IMO) do much more than posting on social media. My personal discomfort is less important.

Perfect. Done. Thank you very much. I really appreciate it.

Thanks, this is very helpful!

It’s only allowing me report apps I’ve installed so I’m wondering if I should very briefly install the app to allow that. I’m generally cautions of allowing dodgy apps on my devices.

Okay. I think we agree on more than we disagree.I also appreciate your input on effective strategy on serious issues like this - I 100% agree. I think you’ve misinterpreted me a little, so let me clarify:

1. I support BDS actively. Organised movements are vital.
2. As I’ve said in the comments: perfect is the enemy of the good. I will drop as many projects as I can. Media players, web browsers, mail clients, social platforms - can all be changed for more ethical alternatives. It doesn’t have to be black or white.
3. I will never wait for any individual or group to give me the go ahead to do what I think is the right thing. BDS isn’t perfect.
4. I am not selling anything, or trying to temper my actions to be more palatable to the more hesitant . It also turns out that I’m far from alone in this, but I was equally happy to go first. I don’t think that it’s a waste of effort at all.

So, yes, strategy is important. But personal efforts count too. Among other things, I am challenging the widely held apathy (and empathy deficit) held by tech enthusiasts that such a move is pointless or too difficult. And along the way I am finding likeminded people I didn’t know were out there.

h, I see what you mean now. The thing is, the massive numbers of users we collectively provide to Microsoft (even non-paying) is a huge benefit to them. They wouldn’t offer free stuff otherwise. It gives them all kinds of leverage in negotiations. I’ve elaborated a bit more on it in another reply in case you’re interested.

It’s called “social proof”. The way bullies get their way is because they can gesture broadly at their following and say, “see? We’re popular. Better that you conform than try to resist us”. That gives them lock-in and ecosystem growth. It also makes it harder for competitors when they abuse their position to offer free services that an ethical but smaller provider can’t. It’s also a gateway to Azure, another of their products (which make the Israeli killing fields in Palestine even more efficient). It allows them to shift a percentage of free users to paid plans.

So it’s lots really. And supporting Microsoft today is very similar to supporting Volkswagen during Nazi Germany’s rule.

I don’t want to repeat this comment too much, but perfect is the enemy of the good. I’ll do what I reasonably can.

Isn’t that GitHub too?

To answer your question: even using their free stuff supports Microsoft. As long as they facilitate militarised genocide, I’m out.

“Be the change you want to see in the world”.

Even using their free stuff is supporting Microsoft. As long as they provide sophisticated facilities for genocide, I’m out.

As a wiser person than me once said “be the change you want to see in the world”.

That’s a good question. I’ve been thinking about where a middle ground might be. I think if a project does both it’s coding and CI on another platform (fully committed) then I can live with that. They can a copy of the code to GitHub for the engagement and audience or whatever.

But if the project is determined to keep with GitHub specific features (like actions) then that’s a clear signal of support to GitHub, IMO. I couldn’t support that. So in short, if GitHub is their home base then I intend to boycott, but I don’t mind them mirroring to GitHub from something like Codeberg.

I’ll have to deal with Lemmy (and Mastodon) too, but one thing at a time. My plan is to be intentional but to pace myself.

Great idea(s)! Navidrome is my favourite and I will really miss it (I’m listening with it now). My understanding is that the project will not be moving platform. A GitHub ticket sounds like a good idea, but I’m unsure about personally pressing the issue with them again, in case it feels like I’m trying to pressure them. Maybe I’m overthinking it?

As for mirroring, I did come across a project or two that are on both Codeberg and GitHub. Given what I’m aiming for impact (as much as one person can have) I’m not sure what to do in that case. I feel that if the project is tied to GitHub devops, then any mirroring is more of a token offering with little impact. But if the project CDI was on Codeberg / GitLab etc and mirrored on GitHub I’d probably be more okay with it. At least, that’s my thinking at the time of writing.

PS: I use GitLab too now. I host some websites with GitLab Pages. I found the documentation a bit lacking in some areas, which took up more time. But I’m happier with the move.

Edit: I’m not up-to-date on US politics, but it looks like GitLab is aligned with the current authoritarian administration https://archive.is/okSlz

I respect bigger ambitions, but they can lead to defeatism and paralysis. The point is to do what is possible, rather than let perfect be the enemy of the good. I see it as a minor effort. At least, easier than being forced to beg for food, hoping I won’t be executed when I turn my back.

I don’t share your pessimism that there is no ethical tech out there, so I’ll be keeping my internet connection thank you.

“That’s how this works.”
That’s actually not how this works. No worthwhile intention or movement begins with wishing that someone else would do something.

Thanks, I appreciate that!

Hehe, I get you. Thanks. I like code berg a lot. I did find two projects there, but one looks abandoned while the other has just migrated to GitHub.

The US dollar is a state-controlled monopoly, not a voluntary tool like GitHub. The point isn’t moral perfectionism: it’s about divesting from optional systems that actively weaponise open source.

Nobody needs to quit GitHub overnight, but ask why we hold open source to lower ethical standard than our coffee or clothes.

GitHub/MS bans developers from sanctioned countries while selling AI services to militaries. If we only resist when it’s cost-free, we’re not resisting: we’re outsourcing our ethics to Microsoft.

I would very much appreciate a ping when that happens!

It sounds like your definition of when a platform “shits itself” is when it stops meeting your own needs and preferences. I would say that a better definition is when a platform engages in extreme and violent behaviour.