News Roundup

Zoocha has been awarded the ISO 27701:2019 certification for Privacy Information Management, complementing their existing UKAS-rated ISO certifications. This new certification covers all service delivery activities, including those related to Drupal web applications. Zoocha's updates to their Business Management System ensure robust data protection and align with GDPR requirements, enhancing client and partner trust in their data handling practices.

Switzerland enacts the "Federal Law on the Use of Electronic Means for the Fulfilment of Governmental Tasks" (EMBAG), mandating open source software (OSS) for public sector bodies. Driven by Professor Dr. Matthias Stürmer, the law aims to reduce vendor lock-in, enhance competition, and improve public services. EMBAG requires public bodies to disclose source code, promoting digital transparency and potentially serving as a model for other nations.

A recent study published in The DropTimes by Veniz Maja Guzman, SEO Expert & Content Strategist at Promet Source, reveals that Drupal's adoption in government websites increases with entity size, indicating its scalability and robust features. While large entities show the highest adoption rates, the benefits of Drupal—such as cost-effectiveness, security, and customization—are valuable for all government levels. The study highlights the need for better education and marketing to boost Drupal adoption among smaller entities, emphasizing its flexibility and potential for long-term growth.

DrupalCon Singapore 2024 is seeking speakers for the conference scheduled for December 9-11, 2024. Drupal enthusiasts, developers, designers, and strategists are invited to submit session proposals online by July 8, 2024. Proposals aligning with the session's main topics are preferred, and organizers may consult with submitters to ensure appropriate track placement.

Drupal Camp Asheville 2024 is set for July 12-14, and it will feature learning sessions, networking, and a traditional Southern BBQ after-party. Attendees can join the Drupal Coffee Exchange and participate in family-friendly games. Volunteers are needed for various tasks, and there will be opportunities to earn contribution credits. More details and RSVPs are available on the event website.

In his article "The AI-Driven Developer: From Assistance to Autonomy in Drupal Development," Jay Callicott explores the transformative impact of AI in Drupal development. The piece highlights how AI tools are evolving from coding assistants to autonomous agents, revolutionizing developer roles. Learn about AI-driven modules like DrupalAI and the crucial role of effective AI prompts in boosting productivity and innovation.

DrupalGovCon 2024 registration is now open for the event at the University of Maryland's Riggs Center, scheduled for August 13 to 15. The conference is organized by Drupal4Gov and is free, but it is expected to be filled quickly. Log in and secure your tickets online to join the Drupal community at this key event.

DrupalCamp Pune 2024 is calling for designers to contribute their skills in creating banners, IDs, standees, and goodie bags. Volunteers will gain experience, recognition, and networking opportunities, along with a Design Internship Certificate and event access. Interested candidates can sign up to join the effort and enhance the camp experience.

The Drupal Association has revamped its Individual Membership program, now called Ripple Makers, to enhance communication, transparency, and community engagement. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive environment for sustaining donors and celebrating their contributions. Ripple Makers encourages monthly donations to support the Drupal Association’s mission of keeping Drupal free, fostering innovation, and maintaining open-source values.

AmyJune Hineline of The Linux Foundation will present "Beyond 99 Red Balloons: A Guide for Inclusive Images" at DrupalCamp Asheville 2024 on July 13. The session will highlight best practices for adding alternative text to images, focusing on inclusivity beyond semantic markup. Using examples from the 80's music scene, AmyJune will illustrate creating meaningful and accessible content for all users.

The DrupalSouth committee seeks anonymous feedback on the proposed Community Day in Canberra, scheduled adjacent to the GovCMS Mega Meetup in November 2024. Based on previous input, the event will refine session durations and logistics to enhance the attendee experience. Feedback is encouraged by July 5, 2024, through a provided Google Form, with inquiries directed to events@drupalsouth.org.

DrupalCamp Colorado will kick off on July 25-26, 2024, featuring a keynote from seasoned digital strategist Lynn Winter. Attendees can engage in various sessions and community activities, focusing on information architecture, UX, and content strategy. The free two-day event is designed for networking, learning, and applying knowledge, catering to both beginners and professionals.

An extensive analysis by The DropTimes (TDT) of 8,134 charity and non-profit organizations in the United States reveals a clear preference for Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) content management systems (CMS), with 82.9% utilizing them. WordPress emerged as the dominant platform, powering 68.66% of the websites surveyed, followed by Drupal at 9.3%. Among the top 100 websites in this list based on Tranco Rank, Drupal takes the lead, powering 46%.