Organic Maps, the privacy-focused, open-source alternative to Google Maps, celebrates its 4th anniversary. The project came to life during Christmas week of 202…
If you look up the actual Estonian LLC (OÜ) they use, it’s owned by two guys with Russian sounding names, one living in Argentina (claims to be Byelorussian) and one living in UK (not much info on him online).
It’s public info if you just look up the company name, so I’m not really doxing them.
Whether or not that’s suspicious is up to you. Estonia does make it hella easy for anyone to register a company, you don’t have to be a citizen, or even a real resident, you only have to be an e-resident I believe.
When it comes to open source software, in my opinion its a good thing when all individous people from all of the world can use and participate. Sometimes free software is the only chance for people to sustain against repressive governments.
As the app is free and open source the community can easily review the software functionality and detect malicious behaviour. Also the app is free, so no money need to go from you to anybody.
Nevertheless I think its good that you are doubtful and share your doubts in public. Thanks for your opinion.
I am a little concerned about the apps ties to Russia. I could not find much information on Alexey Naumenko which means he could live in Russia.
I know this is definitely geopolitical but I think keeping important projects away from Russia would be good for the time being.
If you look up the actual Estonian LLC (OÜ) they use, it’s owned by two guys with Russian sounding names, one living in Argentina (claims to be Byelorussian) and one living in UK (not much info on him online).
It’s public info if you just look up the company name, so I’m not really doxing them.
Whether or not that’s suspicious is up to you. Estonia does make it hella easy for anyone to register a company, you don’t have to be a citizen, or even a real resident, you only have to be an e-resident I believe.
When it comes to open source software, in my opinion its a good thing when all individous people from all of the world can use and participate. Sometimes free software is the only chance for people to sustain against repressive governments.
As the app is free and open source the community can easily review the software functionality and detect malicious behaviour. Also the app is free, so no money need to go from you to anybody.
Nevertheless I think its good that you are doubtful and share your doubts in public. Thanks for your opinion.