An open-source license with ethical considerations
Welcome to the official repository for the Ethical Open License (EOL) 1.0. This license is designed to empower developers by granting freedom to use, modify, and distribute software — while ensuring that such freedoms are exercised within ethical boundaries.
The entire LICENSE-File can be found HERE
The Ethical Open License (EOL) is not just another open source license. It goes beyond traditional licenses (like MIT or GPL) by incorporating ethical restrictions. While you have the freedom to build upon and share the software, you must refrain from using it in ways that violate fundamental ethical standards. In particular, the license explicitly prohibits applications that involve:
- Mass Surveillance: Prevents unauthorized or non-consensual monitoring and data collection.
- Warfare and Oppressive Regimes: Bars use in autonomous weapon systems or in any technology that supports the suppression of dissent.
- Discrimination & Hate Speech: Disallows practices that promote bias, hate, or exclusion based on race, gender, or other attributes.
- Other Unethical Practices: Any use that infringes on internationally recognized human rights benchmarks.
Enforcement of the Ethical Open License is overseen by an Independent Ethics Review Board (IERB). The IERB is a diverse, multi-stakeholder body composed of:
- Legal Experts: Specialists in international law, intellectual property, and human rights.
- Open Source Advocates: Representatives from major open source communities.
- Domain-Specific Ethicists: Professionals in fields such as AI ethics and data privacy.
- Complaint Review: Assess allegations of unethical use based on submitted evidence (e.g., code snippets, screenshots, documentation).
- Enforcement: Decide on cases of non-compliance and, if necessary, revoke license rights.
- Transparency: Publish redacted decisions and annual reports to maintain public trust.
- Appeals: Provide a clear and structured process for appeals through binding arbitration.
- Freedom to Use: You are free to use, modify, and distribute software under the terms of this license.
- Ethical Limitations: The software must not be deployed for unethical purposes — such as facilitating mass surveillance, autonomous weapon systems, or discriminatory practices.
- Enforcement Process: Should a violation occur, a complaint can be filed and reviewed by the IERB. The process includes:
- Initial Assessment: Determining the actionability of the complaint within 7 days.
- Formal Review: A detailed investigation and opportunity for response by the accused party.
- Remediation or Revocation: If a violation is confirmed, a remedial plan must be implemented within 30 days, or the license rights may be terminated.
- Appeals: Decisions can be appealed within 30 days via a neutral arbitration process.
The Ethical Open License supports software used in projects that foster positive social impact, such as:
- Healthcare innovations for underserved communities.
- Climate change modeling and environmental monitoring.
- Educational and research tools that promote collaboration and transparency.
Under the EOL, the following applications are strictly prohibited:
- Mass Surveillance Systems: Software that collects personal data without informed consent.
- Autonomous Weapons: Technology integrated into systems designed for warfare or state repression.
- Discriminatory Applications: Tools that can enable or propagate discriminatory practices or hate speech.
We welcome contributions that help evolve both the license and its guidelines. If you would like to suggest improvements or help clarify the terms, please:
- Fork this repository
- Submit a pull request with your proposed changes
- Review our IERB_GUIDELINES.md to ensure consistency with our ethical standards
The Ethical Open License (EOL) 1.0 is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The creators and maintainers of this license are not responsible for any misuse or ethical violations committed under its terms.
For further information, to report issues, or for support regarding the Ethical Open License, please open an issue in this repository or contact us via the provided channels. Your engagement is crucial in upholding ethical standards in technology.
Thank you for your commitment to responsible and ethical software development!