We can’t wait for the governments to do the right thing. We have to continue to be the annoying friends and coworkers and costumers that keep beating this drum over and over. We need the individuals to form the mass of change.

I know that we will still be vulnerable because our public infrastructure in our countries will still be susceptible to the same influence and possible harm. But we have to be the pressure that accelerates the change. We always do. In all matters. And the old proverbial “who watches the watchmen” has always been answered the same way throughout time… we all do. We all have to remain vigilant of each other. We can’t delegate vigilance. This is the only way for us to watch each other’s backs as much as each other’s transgressions.

But, there are already small businesses who have made the move, local governments that announced the shift and even the city of Lyon has already stated that will move away from Microsoft in the public sector.

Hell, even Pewdiepie is fighting the good fight. And he has a lot of followers to influence a critical mass. Do I like him? No. Do I trust him? Obviously not. But I don’t have to, as I’ll remain vigilant. And we should remain vigilant at all times. Even with the alternatives. Even with our choices. I have a Proton account. Do I support them? Yes. Do I trust them? Absolutely not. Companies should never ever have one’s trust. Trust can only truly exist within intimacy. As you are embedded in it. One should still be vigilant of both the other and of oneself though. As we are all flawed. But strangers, companies and governments should never ever have one’s complacency. They should only have one’s vigilance.

So… Who watches the watchmen?

The true answer is…

Either we are all watchmen, or no-one is allowed to be.

This is why we truly want FOSS and open protocols to everything. And that is why it is the right thing to do.