Non-free

The term 'non-free' signifies a lack of autonomy, control, or unrestricted access to something. It can apply to various contexts, including software, information, resources, or even human beings. It implies limitations, constraints, or restrictions imposed by an external authority or condition. It can be used to describe software licenses which forbid modification, distribution, or use without permission, resources that come at a cost, and people who are restricted, coerced, or enslaved in some way. This lack of freedom can manifest in legal, economic, or social limitations.

Non-free meaning with examples

• The company's cloud storage service operates under a non-free model; users are charged monthly fees and have restrictions on the type and size of files they can store. The alternative free and open-source storage is more attractive. Users are concerned about the lack of control over their data and fear it is not secured from prying eyes.
• The new textbook is published under a non-free license. Students must purchase it from the publisher, and cannot reproduce or distribute it, even to share it for academic purposes. Many argue that this restricts access to education, as students will be unable to afford it. This creates a barrier to learning for those with lower incomes.
• The news articles on the website are considered non-free; readers have to subscribe to access the complete content. This limits public access to information, especially for those with limited financial resources. It also impacts their ability to make educated opinions as well as their ability to express them freely.
• Some historical documents are preserved in non-free archives, requiring special permissions and fees for access. This practice often benefits those who can afford to pay, whilst making public records and knowledge less accessible to researchers and the general public. As a result, people's knowledge is limited and access is therefore restricted.
• The country's internet access policy is non-free. Citizens are subject to strict censorship and governmental monitoring, effectively restricting their freedom of expression and access to various forms of information. This limits communication with the outside world and freedom of thought.