This is a list of websites that do not allow one to use free/libre open source software and/or force usage of proprietary software/technology. They force consumers to use proprietary software or technologies, or otherwise perpetuate vendor lock-in, which makes it difficult for Linux users to access their products or services.
http://202.144.108.151/jspl2009/Browser.htm
<strong>You will not be able to submit your form with this Browser.
Please use Microsoft Internet Explorer Browser Version 6 or 7. </strong>
BSNL
BSNL's broadband usage tracking portal doesn't work in free browsers like firefox: http://selfcare.sdc.bsnl.co.in/
http://fyjc.org.in
A Maharashtra State Government body actually promoting a particular company.
Policy
We consider any of the following two kind of offences, as a condition for being included in the Hall Of Shame list.
- When the website puts up an explicit notice that the site will look-good/work only with a specific proprietary web browser like Internet Explorer. These will be put up on the list right away without notice, because these notices are tantamount to policy decisions. In some cases, even the choice of technology used will be taken as a policy decision. e.g. using VBScript in the website.
- When due to obvious programming incompetency, or mere laziness to test the site against non-proprietary browsers, cause a problem of accessibility of the website. In these cases, we will send the party a notice using their publicised official feedback channels and wait for a period of seven days for either an explanatory mail, or the correction of the issue. Failing any of these, we will add the company to the list.
We will especially be targeting government websites in this exercise which have absolutely no business to discriminate against the technology used by their citizens to access public content. If possible, please report such websites to us.
Exceptions
There are some important exceptions to our campaign.
- We respect the right of a webmaster to restrict browsers on the basis of version (NOT vendor). e.g. Having a website which only allows version 5+ or version 6+ of Netscape/IE browsers. We know that this is often a technical decision, somewhat similar to creating software which will work only in Pentium(tm) class machines. Backward compatibility is not always possible without a massive increase in codebase and complexity which not many projects can afford.
- We are more interested in two aspects of compatibility:
- Peer compatibility - The service in question should be accessible in an useful way by other peer software which perform the same function.
- Opensource option - There should be a way for the public to access the site using an Opensource option, if available. For example, making a site accessible using Internet Explorer and Safari satisfies (1a). But it is not good enough because (1b) is not satisfied - as an available Opensource option exists (Mozilla), and the site needs to be accessible by it.
- We are not targeting each and every Indian website with these conditions. Rather we are targetting sites which are critical to the general public, which at present includes:
- Banking and insurance websites
- Government websites
- Airlines, Railways and other transportation related
Also note that we are ok if (1b) is satisfied but (1a) is not. e.g. A site is only accessible using Mozilla and not other browsers. This is not hypocricy. Our campaign is about choice and openness. Unlike other browsers which require you to purchase a proprietary Operating System (OS), everybody has access to Mozilla. Also note that making a site only accessible by Opera (which works on many platforms, both Opensource and proprietary) is however not good enough because the software is Closed source and proprietary.