The Javascript Trap

“In the free software community, the idea that non-free programs
mistreat their users is familiar. Some of us refuse entirely to
install proprietary software, and many others consider non-freedom
a strike against the program. Many users are aware that this issue
applies to the plug-ins that browsers offer to install, since they
can be free or non-free.

“But browsers run other non-free programs which they don’t ask
you about or even tell you about—programs that web pages
contain or link to. These programs are most often written in
Javascript, though other languages are also used.

“Javascript (officially called ECMAscript, but few use that
name) was once used for minor frills in web pages, such as cute but
inessential navigation and display features. It was acceptable to
consider these as mere extensions of HTML markup, rather than as
true software; they did not constitute a significant issue.”

Complete
Story