Haven't read all the comments yet, so maybe others have commented on this already, but I find the premise (critic of secret code validated by VW scandal) weak.
According to the article:
“Proprietary software is an unsafe building material,” Mr. Moglen had said. “You can’t inspect it.”
Except that in this specific case, it was the builder who designed and implemented something "faulty" precisely because they needed that.
There is a difference between installing a third-party set of windows and finding out that it soon falls apart because the frame is defective, and installing windows after you have secretly bored small holes in the frame (because you have an interest in your tenants going overquota with their heating expenses).
According to the article:
“Proprietary software is an unsafe building material,” Mr. Moglen had said. “You can’t inspect it.”
Except that in this specific case, it was the builder who designed and implemented something "faulty" precisely because they needed that. There is a difference between installing a third-party set of windows and finding out that it soon falls apart because the frame is defective, and installing windows after you have secretly bored small holes in the frame (because you have an interest in your tenants going overquota with their heating expenses).