The discussion dives into the world of open source software, particularly content management systems (CMS), and their impact on government websites. Open source software operates like a “community garden,” where the code is accessible for anyone to use, modify, and improve, leading to benefits like transparency, flexibility, and cost-efficiency.

Governments, such as Germany, have embraced open-source systems like Typo3 for their digital infrastructure, motivated by campaigns like Public Money, Public Code, which advocate for software funded by taxpayers to be accessible to everyone. This move enhances transparency but requires constant updates and security checks to maintain safety. Alarming statistics show that nearly 30% of websites run outdated CMS versions, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.

CMS Garden, an open-source advocate, has been involved in advising governments and leading projects like Follow the Money, which tracks the software used by governments and its associated costs and security vulnerabilities. Their detective-like approach uses platforms like Wikidata and versionmanager.io to assess and analyze government websites. They found that 70% of government websites use open-source CMS, though many still run outdated versions.

Beyond governments, the conversation explores the importance of contributing back to open-source communities, highlighting the WordPress ecosystem’s tension between WordPress.org and companies like WP Engine that benefit from open source but don’t contribute equally. The episode concludes by emphasizing that everyone can support open-source projects, whether by contributing code, improving documentation, or simply advocating for its benefits. Open source offers a promising future of collaboration and equity across various sectors, raising questions about its potential applications in healthcare, education, and beyond.

This conversation centers around OpenCulturas, a new open-source platform that’s shaking up how people engage with arts and culture. It’s designed to streamline the experience for users and make cultural discovery easier. Unlike current platforms, which often require endless scrolling through generic event listings, OpenCulturas aims to be a one-stop hub, empowering both users and cultural organizers. It offers a more personalized experience, allowing users to not only find events but also explore related content and nearby services, such as restaurants.

A key feature is user-generated content, enabling cultural organizations, especially smaller ones with limited resources, to create and manage events without needing technical expertise. The platform also provides automatic landing pages and content moderation tools to ensure accuracy and prevent chaos. This allows even less tech-savvy organizers to maintain a professional online presence, promoting digital sovereignty, where they have control over their data and content.

OpenCulturas’s community-driven model, where users can actively contribute to improving the platform, sets it apart from closed-source platforms. It’s continually evolving through public input, whether it’s reporting bugs, suggesting new features, or writing code. This open-source approach makes it sustainable in the long term, as it’s not dependent on a single company’s decisions or profits.

The platform is already being used in places like Göttingen, Germany, where it’s supporting local cultural initiatives like the Kulturpass, aimed at engaging young adults. Overall, OpenCulturas is more than just a tool for event listings—it’s a part of a broader movement toward a collaborative, participatory approach to arts and culture, offering a glimpse into a future where cultural discovery is more accessible, personalized, and community-driven.

The deep dive into GzEvD highlights a fascinating tech company in Germany, Gesellschaft zur Entwicklung von Dingen (GzEvD), whose mission is to develop technology that genuinely makes the world a better place. Their approach is rooted in transparency and collaboration, with a commitment to open-source software. This allows anyone to view, modify, and share their code, fostering trust and innovation. They’re pushing for accessible, user-friendly, and inclusive technology that adheres to strict standards like WCAG, ensuring it works for everyone, including people with disabilities.

GzEvD’s projects cover various sectors, from art (OpenCulturas, empowering arts organizations) to government (deGov, improving government websites). They’re also leading the charge on sustainability through their “Our Better World Manifesto,” which emphasizes reducing their carbon footprint, promoting ethical business practices, and addressing environmental concerns with innovative solutions like renewable energy via solar plug-in devices.

The company prioritizes data privacy and security with projects like Safeserver, and they actively work toward creating tech that benefits communities rather than just corporate profits. Their ethical, sustainable approach is a powerful reminder that technology can be both innovative and socially responsible. GzEvD serves as an inspiring model of what tech companies can achieve when they focus on positive impact over just growth and profit.