Federal authorities are required to publish the source code of software they develop or commission for the performance of their work. Anyone can then use, improve and distribute this software, and there are no licence fees. This requirement is laid down in Article 9 of the Federal Act on the Use of Electronic Means to Carry Out Official Tasks (EMOTA). The individual federal offices are responsible for implementation. Various tools to support this process are available from the Federal Chancellery.
What does this entail?
When publishing open source software, certain questions arise regarding rights, licences, security, organisation and costs. Depending on the intended application, a number of variations and restrictions must be taken into account. Moreover, the level of understanding of the legal requirements and experience with implementation varies across the Federal Administration. The Federal Chancellery has therefore produced a set of tools and checklists to help with decision-making.
Who is responsible?
The individual federal offices are responsible for implementation. Various tools to support this process are available from the Federal Chancellery.
What tools are available?
The following tools are available in the form of guidelines, instructions, checklists, fact sheets, information sheets and FAQs. The documents are currently being translated into English:
An information sheet on procurements in the context of Art. 9 EMOTA is being drawn up.
Further information
Contact
Federal Chancellery
Digital Transformation and ICT Steering DTI Sector
Monbijoustrasse 91
3003 Bern
- Tel.
- +41 58 463 46 64