First, kudos to the OP for bringing up this topic
Second, thanks to the poster (lma) for the link to freedombox.org

The move away from Linux OSS by Nokia will slow down the penetration of this socially disruptive technology. What a shame. Freedom to communicate without fetters is a basic human right.

I've long held the belief that improved communication can lead to improved quality of life. Although some worry about the ability to create a flash mob that improved communication can bring I believe that being able to provide rapid and secure communication is a plus. Tyrants beware. When the only thing a tyrant can do to stymie free communication is to cut power to the areas in turmoil they have already lost. No amount of blaming the power cuts on the criminal malcontents will make up for cutting the power to begin with.