The critical role of indigenous technology in national security and sovereignty has been brought to the fore again during "Operation Sindoor". As widely reported in the media, India retrofitted home-grown systems on vintage armaments that proved to be extremely potent in warding off done attacks. Similarly, the Indian Global Positioning System NaVIC was instrumental in ensuring precision strikes.
Modern "Systems-of-Systems" are a blend of both hardware and software, with Free and Open Source Software being used significantly. Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) is an integral component in building self-reliance, whether it be at the corporate level or the national level. Having the source, along with legal permissions to change it ensure that one is not beholden to others - which is especially important when the component(s) in question are critical to national and economic security and sovereignty. However, using FOSS in such systems comes with its own challenges, be they legal or technical, especially related to security.
This talk will scope out the landscape of using Free and Open Source Software in Critical Systems, especially those relating to National Security amid the changing World Order. We will take a close look at the various legal doctrines that permit or prevent the distribution and use of software in various industries, what are the policies across jurisdictions to manage such software usage, especially focusing on the Indian context and try to identify the policy areas and gaps that need to be filled to allow greater FOSS usage to build self-reliance.
Understanding the potential legal challenges that can come about in the usage of FOSS in areas of National Security.
The impact of geopolitics and national security policy on the development and distribution of FOSS?
Identify policy gaps and brainstorm possible solutions.