We have had a similar discussion on fsfe-de and I dont want to repeat all the points, but I think we really need to differentiate between to issues here:
1) Where do I store my data, do I trust the people in charge? 2) What freedom does the Software involved offer me?
The only point where these issues mingle, is when the software is not controlled by the same people controlling the data (e.g. the software is proprietary and provided by a third party), resulting in another party of people you would have to trust.
Both of these issues can be adressed individually or together, but they are two issues, e.g. you can de-/encrypt data on the client-side and store it an proprietary web-app solving issue 1, but leaving issue 2 open. Or you can save unencrypted data in a AGPLed CMS on GNewsense-Server and still have the people running the server sell your data.
Now, what we have to think about, is whether both issues are equally important to soceity in general and how or if the Free Software Movement should address them.
My personal opinion is that both issues are very important to soceity, but that issue 1 should be tackled by civil-rights organisitions, while the Free Software Movement should focus on issue 2. That doesnt mean we should not develop Free Software solutions to issue 1, I merely want to point out that FSF(E) as organizations should focus on issue 2, because thats what they are good at - and there already are other organization strongly involved in issue 1.
Concerning the points you made:
- there are applications (e.g. email-accounts, webspace, collaboration
tools), which by definition can not rely on the individual, local desktop.
I think you definitions are a little to strict here. The emergence of p2p and the spreading of fast internet access have IMHO changed the possibilities we have. The traditional client-server-model is not necessary for future communication. Even traditional emailing works decentralized: about 50% of the Windows Computers send mail, beit without their owners knowing ;)
- the main reason for the shift from desktop-computing to web-applications
is the increasing need for communication and remote collaboration, allowing for new social arrangements.
- I admit, I am worried myself about the intransparency and the lack of
control over hosted web-services. But on the other hand, I also feel strongly tempted about the opportunities, conveniences (and freedoms) they offer to me, or to communities of people. They allow me to do things I could not do otherwise.
Please eloborate, why it is technically necessary to store your personal and private data on someone else's computer to be able to your regular communication.
- Basically, I think Stallman argues from the perspective of a computer
specialist, who is able to control and maintain any web-application himself.
That is the same argument brought up against FreeSoftware by people who can't code.
This is not the situation, I am in as an individual and a teacher. As an individual, I need web-services, which are independent from my employer. As a teacher, I want to to teach my students, how survive in the internet, how to claim their own space, how to organise collaborations, how to publish in the internet, without depending on an institution they are member of.
If you are a few people together, that want to offer online-services like webspace or collaboration, it should be even easier to get your own server / housing...
- [...] How could trustworthy
web-applications and web-services look like? What is good practice for a web host? Is there room for public, non-proprietary systems of web-services and how should they look like?
Ciaran already posted the link: http://www.clipperz.com/users/marco/blog/2008/05/30/freedom_and_privacy_clou...
Jeeze, this mail got longer than I thought ;)
Greetings Hannes