---
title: "Public Code with Free Software: Modernising Digital Public Infrastructure"
date: 2018-09-11
categories:
  - english
  - presentation
tags:
  - PublicCode
  - Policy
  - FSFE
slides: https://download.fsfe.org/presentations/20180911-mm-DrupalEurope-PMPC.en.pdf
event:
  name: DrupalEurope 2018
  href: https://www.drupaleurope.org/index.php/session/public-code-free-software-modernising-digital-public-infrastructure.html
---

At DrupalEurope 2018 in Darmstadt, I presented the "Public Money, Public Code" initiative to an audience of Drupal developers, site builders, and digital agencies. This was a particularly relevant venue because Drupal itself is Free Software, and many in the audience work on public sector projects where the principles of Public Code directly apply. The talk connected the FSFE's campaign to the practical realities of building public digital infrastructure with content management systems like Drupal.

The presentation explained why software developed for public administrations with taxpayer money should be released as Free Software. I outlined the benefits: code reuse across different public bodies, reduced vendor lock-in, improved security through transparency, and the ability to customize solutions to local needs. For the Drupal community, which already embraces Open Source principles, the message resonated strongly – many attendees had experienced first-hand the frustration of proprietary systems or custom Drupal modules that couldn't be shared because of licensing restrictions.

The discussion explored how Drupal agencies could advocate for Public Code principles in their client relationships, how public administrations could structure procurement to require Free Software, and what role the Drupal community could play in building shared public infrastructure. This talk helped connect the broader political campaign to concrete technical communities already working in the public sector.
