Digital Independence Day

Supporters of open-source software are marking Digital Independence Day by sharing why they switched to Linux. One widely shared post explains the author's decision to install Linux, framing the move as a step toward digital independence and away from proprietary operating systems. The hashtag is drawing similar stories from other users.

Germany's Digital Independence Day takes place on the first Sunday of each month, with nationwide events encouraging people to switch step by step to democratic, privacy-friendly alternatives to major US tech platforms. Providers such as Google and Microsoft are the main targets, and institutions like Berlin's adult education centres are offering year-round courses and workshops on moving away from them.

Digital Independence Day is marked on the first Sunday of each month, encouraging users to move away from large commercial platforms to independent, decentralised alternatives. Supporters say the switch should not be limited to one day a week but practised every day. Posts highlight federated platforms and self-hosted services as ways to regain control over personal data and online communication.