Routers and modems are equipment we use everyday for internet connection. Our whole internet traffic, encryption, backups, communication, shopping, writings, business interaction, and so on are transferred through your router. If your router is not free, your digital freedom is likely to be compromised.

“Router Freedom” is the right every consumer has to use a router independently from those offered by the ISP. Although router freedom sounds obvious, this right is not an entire reality in Europe, including Croatia. The infringement of the Router Freedom may happen by different restrictions, ranging from blocking interoperability to forcing proprietary equipment to consumers.

Free Software is key for Router Freedom by enabling freedom of choice, security monitoring and update, right to repair and sustainability of devices.

This talk will present the advocacy FSFE has conducted in the last 5 years to liberate routers and modems in Europe. This is a history full of challenges, regulatory battles, some defeats and many victories.

The audience will learn why Router Freedom is important not only for individual digital rights but also for an open and neutral Internet.