# Denis Carikli > French computer scientist **Wikidata**: [Q131382522](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q131382522) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/denis-carikli ## Summary Denis Carikli is a French computer scientist and free software activist known for his work on the Replicant project, a free software version of Android. Born in 1985 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, he has been actively involved in the GNU Project and advocates for software freedom through his technical contributions and activism. ## Biography - Born: April 22, 1985, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France - Nationality: French - Education: Not specified in source material - Known for: Creating and maintaining the Replicant project, a free software version of Android - Employer(s): GNU Project, Make Freedom (company founded in 2019) - Field(s): Computer science, free software development, software engineering ## Contributions Denis Carikli is best known as the creator and lead developer of Replicant, a fully free software distribution based on the Android operating system, which he initiated in 2010. Replicant aims to provide a mobile operating system that respects user freedom by removing proprietary components from Android. His work has been instrumental in advancing mobile freedom and providing alternatives to proprietary mobile operating systems. Carikli has also been active in the GNU Project, contributing to various free software initiatives and advocating for software freedom through technical development and public speaking at events like FOSDEM. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Denis Carikli known for? A: Denis Carikli is primarily known for creating and maintaining the Replicant project, a free software version of Android that removes proprietary components to respect user freedom. ### Q: What is Replicant? A: Replicant is a fully free software distribution based on Android, created by Denis Carikli in 2010, which aims to provide a mobile operating system that respects user freedom by removing proprietary components. ### Q: What organizations is Denis Carikli affiliated with? A: Denis Carikli is a member of the GNU Project and has founded Make Freedom, a company focused on free software development. ## Why They Matter Denis Carikli's work on Replicant has been crucial in advancing mobile software freedom, providing users with a viable alternative to proprietary mobile operating systems. His contributions have helped raise awareness about the importance of free software in the mobile space and have influenced the development of other free software mobile projects. By creating a fully free Android distribution, Carikli has demonstrated that it's possible to have a functional mobile operating system without proprietary components, challenging the industry norm and inspiring others to work towards greater software freedom. ## Notable For - Creating Replicant, a fully free software version of Android in 2010 - Active member of the GNU Project and free software movement - Founder of Make Freedom, a company focused on free software development - Advocate for mobile software freedom through technical development and public speaking - Contributor to advancing free software alternatives in the mobile operating system space ## Body ### Early Life and Education Denis Carikli was born on April 22, 1985, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France. While specific details about his education are not provided in the source material, his career path indicates a strong background in computer science and software engineering. ### Professional Career Carikli's primary professional focus has been on free software development and advocacy. He is known by the alias "GNUtoo" in various online communities and platforms, including GNU Savannah and LibrePlanet. ### Replicant Project The Replicant project, initiated by Carikli in 2010, is his most significant contribution to the free software community. This project aims to create a fully free software distribution based on Android by removing proprietary components and replacing them with free alternatives. The project has been ongoing since its inception and continues to be maintained by Carikli and other contributors. ### GNU Project Involvement As a member of the GNU Project, Carikli has contributed to various free software initiatives. His work aligns with the GNU Project's mission of promoting software freedom and providing free alternatives to proprietary software. ### Make Freedom Company In 2019, Carikli founded Make Freedom, a company focused on free software development. This venture demonstrates his commitment to advancing free software not just as an activist but also as an entrepreneur. ### Languages and Communication Carikli is a native French speaker and is also proficient in English and Italian. He maintains an active online presence through various platforms, including GitLab (username: GNUtoo) and the GNU Savannah platform. ### Impact and Legacy Through his work on Replicant and his involvement in the free software movement, Denis Carikli has made significant contributions to the field of computer science and software freedom. His efforts have helped raise awareness about the importance of free software in the mobile space and have provided users with alternatives to proprietary mobile operating systems. Carikli's work continues to influence the development of free software mobile projects and the broader conversation about software freedom in the technology industry. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.pappers.fr/entreprise/make-freedom-845042225/documents/MAKE%20FREEDOM%20-%20Statuts%20constitutifs%2007-01-2019.pdf) 2. [Source](https://www.pappers.fr/dirigeant/denis_carikli_1985-04) 3. [Source](https://archive.fosdem.org/2023/schedule/speaker/denis_carikli_gnutoo/)