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Skype requires the use of a client program that is not free software; in other words, the users don't control it — it controls them.

You should never run a nonfree program, so this is enough reason to refuse to use Skype. But there are other bad things about Skype.

• Skype refuses to say whether it can eavesdrop on calls. That almost certain means it can do so.
• Skype gave personal data about a Wikileaks supporter to another company without any legal obligation to do so.
• Skype churns the meaning of preference settings, and gives its users a run-around when someone cheats them.
• Microsoft has changed Skype to make it easier for states to snoop on users.

What to use instead? The most obvious alternative is a long-distance phone card. They are quite cheap nowadays, and they work with any phone.

Copyright (c) 2012 Richard Stallman Verbatim copying and redistribution of this entire page are permitted provided this notice is preserved.