[directory-discuss] Free Mozilla-based software should use directory.fsf.org as add-on repository

[David Englund]

Both GNU IceCat (based on Mozilla Firefox) and Icedove (based on Mozilla Thunderbird) shows the Free Software Directory website when you go to "Add-ons" and click on the "Get Add-ons" button in these programs, this is good.

However, when you click on "Check for updates" or "Update Add-ons Automatically", you'll notice that the Mozilla repository will be used instead; addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/ for Firefox, and addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/ for Icedove.

This is not good as the updated versions have not been verified by the FSF to be entirely free.


Conclusion: IceCat and Icedove should use directory.fsf.org as addon update repository, not addons.mozilla.org. The features that are affected can be found by doing the following:

1. Click "Add-ons"
2. Locate the option button (labeled "Tools for all add-ons" on mouse-hover). It is located left to the"Search all add-ons" bar, you can't miss it.
3. Click on the button and see "Check for updates" and "Update Add-ons Automatically".

This has been reported to the IceCat mailing list.