The free software movement asserts that software, like free speech, must be freely questioned, modified, and verified. It can be considered an aspect of the literate programming movement in likening software to other forms of communication, and treating its editing like that of texts.

Technically, the movement is defined mostly by the GNU Public License? under which Linux? and many utilities are distributed.

Legally, the movement may be defined as "open source with a requirement to Share Alike with anyone, without restriction, under the exact same license", usually the GPL.

The Green Party of Canada advocates the use of free software in government. Where this is not feasible, other open source licenses or Share Alike consortia should be applied. See monopolies on information for more details.