the context
As everyone here may know, Docker is a container control technology that allows containers to be created, started and stopped, but also to create images (a full system that the container runs). These images can be distributed in a variety of ways, but one of the most well-known is Docker Hub, which is maintained by a private company. Therefore, a distinction must be made between Docker, the free software, Docker Hub, the image repository, and Docker, the company driving the development and hub.
Countless free software is available in the form of images hosted on Docker Hub and this is sometimes the preferred mode of distribution, particularly for its simplicity. A docker runs NAME-OF-THE-IMAGE and we run what we want right away, without compiling or installing (this raises various issues, security for example, but that’s another story). So it is no exaggeration to say that Docker Hub is an important part of the free software ecosystem.
You can create an account (i.e. leave personal data) on the Docker Hub “for free” and host your images there. But, and this is the crucial point, this only applies to individuals. If you want to work in a group, for example because it’s a big project, or because you want to avoid the bus factor, you need an organizational account (“team” in DockerHub terminology). There are also paid offers, but we do not consider them here.
What happened
The company Docker has announced that free organizational accounts will be discontinued. From now on, every free software project that is not exclusively single-user has to pay. This announcement, as well as the speed and lack of discussion, provoked many reactions. It is indeed worth noting that the company has not announced any derogatory measures against free software.
More specifically, it is not enough that the software is free to be entitled to free access for multiple users (the open source program): there must also be no commercial activity, including the sale of services related to the software or paid development of additional features will cause you to lose status (I quote: “Having no path to commercialization. Your organization must not attempt to make a profit through services or through fees for higher tiers.”). Additionally, there is no certainty as to the amount of time and effort required to have this status recognized.
It is therefore a heavy blow to free software. It highlights once again the fact that a free license is a necessary condition to ensure individual sovereignty, but not a sufficient condition.