Submitted 3 weeks ago by ForgottenFlux@lemmy.world to technology@lemmy.world
https://www.phoronix.com/news/Bitwarden-Open-Source-Concerns
This is an update to a post that was previously shared in the community: Concerns Raised Over Bitwarden Moving Further Away From Open-Source
When I dropped LastPass I found Bitwarden and liked them mainly because of the open source. I pay them for the software so that it can remain free and open. If that stopped, I would also stop paying them for it.
My renewal is coming up. I’ve been a customer for probably 7 years or so, I’m not renewing.
This wasn’t a bug, this was a toe in the water to gauge the temperature.
Like it or not, this means they’ve chosen a path, and nothing is going to stop them from going down it. The only variable is the timetable.
Okay, I’m a bitwarden user who hasn’t been online much in the last couple weeks because of school. Bit ootl. Wtf happened exactly?
well, it is up to you. me as premium user I am fine with their change as long as Bitwarden does not mess up like Lastpass with data breaches and one active device policy.
Yup, same here.
That tweet has such a clinical PR tone to it that is not helping put me at ease and im probably going to be moving my vault
Also this doesn’t really fully address the issue as I understand it?
That tweet has such a clinical PR tone to it that is not helping put me at ease and im probably going to be moving my vault
Calling open source a “licensing model” in particular sounds like MBA-speak.
There is no issue here from Bitwarden POV, except the pushback they receive now.
Bitwarden got VC funding and the bell is ringing to bring the cows back in to be milked dried.
They are testing the water to see how people react, scale back a bit through whatever lies/PR, and will just wait for the right time to shove more shit.
This is a pattern we’ve seen over and over again.
I know this is a completely separate thing, but something about the current redesign they’re pushing is making me very uneasy, as well. It feels very much like corporate focus-grouped, iOS chasing crap, i.e not at all interested in the type of power user and FOSS types that initially embraced it.
Moreover, when someone asked for compact mode (again, as people have been asking for it from the beta for at least a year now), the response was some of the most PR shit I’ve seen from a FOSS developer.
They legitimately defined something as basic as compact mode as a “power user” thing that they’re “considering”. And routinely reinforced how much they “value” power users, whole also suggesting their robust search function.
A bunch of people had to demand the Android Beta app restore Quick Tile functionality because the dev team got in their heads it wasn’t necessary to have a manual trigger for auto-fill.
Just feels like a lot of disconnect coming from the development side and it’s feels off.
I’m not sure how it could be a bug but I notice a lot of complaining(1) and calls to move to KeePass. It reminds me of the complaining(1) about Windows and how everyone should move to Linux. Lemmy was itching to torch BitWarden. We seem to have a mob mentality, with little ability to consider possible explanations and multiple factors.
As a long time Linux + KeePass user:
FUCK Windows and Microsoft for everything they’ve done to the general public and open-source software with their shit. Yeah yeah they are turning around, but still fuck them.
I have no strong feeling towards Bitwarden, but I will never put my secrets into anything non-FOSS. And I sync it with my Nextcloud.
Stallman was right about software.
I thought bitwarden was open source?
I don’t disagree with you. It’s just that it’s not black and white. Your boss says no, you don’t try to go around. My wife says that she will only use Windows, yes dear. I use Debian, Raspbian, Windows 10, and Windows 11. Windows 10 feels the most comfortable and has the best compatibility. But yeah, I’m not a fanboi.
Turning around in circles maybe.
I’m still happy to use and pay for BitWarden. All I see are KeePass fanbois trying to throw shade at a company they don’t like.
And KeePass is great, too, but it isn’t going to be for everyone, and that’s not an indictment of its quality or utility.
Yeah, I am fine with their new policies as long as Bitwarden does not mess up with data breaches or annoying feature such as one active device policy like Lastpass.
Lemmy is hilariously reactionary and fickle. Never found a windmill that couldnt be tilted at.
I’m not sure why that still surprises me considering it’s made up of a ton of people who self selected to leave a site in protest.
Current Lemmy will circlejerk about the end of any company or product with the smallest nudge.
Every slightly negative post above a certain threshold of views will have comments about abandoning whatever thing it’s about.
Oh thank Christ. I was afraid this was Lastpass all over again.
Mirror of what xxkylexx, Bitwarden Developer, said on Reddit:
Hi, Thanks for sharing your concerns here. We have been progressing use of our SDK (software development kit) in more use cases for our clients. However, our goal is to make sure that the SDK is used in a way that maintains GPL compatibility.
- the SDK and the client are two separate programs
- code for each program is in separate repositories
- the fact that the two programs communicate using standard protocols does not mean they are one program for purposes of GPLv3
Being able to build the app as you are trying to do here is an issue we plan to resolve and is merely a bug.
From how I understand it, it appears they are saying that the bug was that it was possible to build externally.
I’ve been paying for proton mail for a couple years now. Decided to stick with Bitwarden when proton announced their password manager as I liked it more. Based on this fiasco I gave it a second look and so far I’ve been liking it. I haven’t committed to abandoning Bitwarden, but I’m certainly on track to.
They’re not really comparable since Bitwarden has the source available for auditing and Proton Pass (server) does not.
Heh, this is exactly what I went through today. I’m a paid Proton user, but ignored Proton Pass when it came out because I was already well-entrenched with BitWarden. Decided today to give it a real look. Generally pretty pleased with what I’m seeing, though I’m not entirely committed to shifting platforms.
Riiight…
I wanted to check out bitwarden as a self hosted service, but looks like I better stick with good ol’ keepass+Syncthing
vzq@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Even if they are backtracking with egg on their face, this is good. Maybe better. Now they know they can’t get away with this stuff.
SnotFlickerman@lemmy.blahaj.zone 3 weeks ago
Not now anyway, now it’s just laying in wait.
Every company does this, they put out a trial balloon, see how badly it tests, and then just wait for the right time when nobody notices. Usually during real crises in the world.
Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 3 weeks ago
I hate how right you are.
just_another_person@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Man, I really hate seeing comments like this. I feel like I need to reiterate that BitWarden is NOT an open-source company. They are committed to providing open-source compatible products with their products. Two very different things.
If they feel their product is somehow lacking or affected by whatever they are packaging right now, they are completely free to change it. They also have no barriers to entry for users who wish to use another client.
It’s really not a big deal.
vzq@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
morriscox@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
Are they backtracking when they have stated that it’s a bug?
vzq@lemmy.world 3 weeks ago
That’s why I said “even if”.
“Even if” it’s not really a bug and they are backtracking, then [rest of comment here].