Petition for Recognition of Work on Open-Source as Volunteering in Germany

7 days ago

Open-Source-Software is fundamental to digital infrastructure in administration, economy, science, and daily life.
Volunteer work on Open-Source projects is not recognized as volunteering, lacking fiscal and funding support.
Open-Source contributions create free, transparent, and auditable software critical for internet protocols, security, health IT, AI, and more.
Most Open-Source work is unpaid, done in leisure time, with contributors ensuring security and stability without recognition.
State facilities, schools, and enterprises benefit from Open-Source, yet maintainers lack resources and legal recognition.
Formal recognition could enable tax-exempt compensations, liability protections, and easier funding for Open-Source projects.
Germany lags behind other countries in supporting Open-Source volunteers through taxable benefits and institutional aid.
Recognition of Open-Source work as volunteering would promote digital sovereignty and legal clarity.

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