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In this interview, we talk with Jean-Philippe Ulpiano, the creator of Firefox Managed Session Controller, an open-source technical solution designed to help parents manage internet access on Ubuntu systems. With a focus on digital wellness, this project aims to protect children from unrestricted internet exposure while allowing them to leverage technology for work and learning.
What does Firefox Managed Session Controller do? And why is now the time for it to exist?
Giving children unrestricted access to the internet isn’t freedom—it’s exposure.
Now’s a good time for Firefox Managed Session Controller to exist because navigating the digital landscape with children requires granular control to ensure their safety without hindering their technological literacy.
What is your traction to date? How many people does Firefox Managed Session Controller reach?
Parents all over the world
Who does your Firefox Managed Session Controller serve? What’s exciting about your users and customers?
Children gain enormous value, most interested cutomers will be digital wellness parents ( They focus on the pursuit of an intentional and healthy relationship with technology: They view screen time through the lens of its impact on physical health and emotional well-being.)
What technologies were used in the making of Firefox Managed Session Controller? And why did you choose ones most essential to your techstack?
The project is built using a combination of Node.js, Linux Services, and PostgreSQL. These technologies were selected to ensure deep system integration with Ubuntu via Linux Services, while Node and PostgreSQL handle the application logic and data management necessary for reliable session control.
What is traction to date for Firefox Managed Session Controller? Around the web, who’s been noticing?
As the project is currently in its early stages, significant public traction has not yet been established. The focus remains on development and refining the utility for its niche user base of technical parents.
Firefox Managed Session Controller scored a 36 proof of usefulness score (https://proofofusefulness.com/report/firefox-managed-session-controller)
What excites you about this Firefox Managed Session Controller's potential usefulness?
Making an impact to reduce the identified and documented risks targetting future adults all by allowing them to work leveraging technology.
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