check-dfsg-status

List non-free and contrib packages

$ check-dfsg-status

$ check-dfsg-status -s

check-dfsg-status [options]

check-dfsg-status reports non-free and contrib packages installed on Debian-based systems. DFSG stands for Debian Free Software Guidelines, which define what software qualifies as free.
The tool was formerly known as vrms (Virtual Richard M. Stallman) and helps users identify proprietary software on their system.

-s, --sparse

Output only package names without descriptions

Explain why packages are non-free

Only checks packages from Debian repositories. Manually installed software or third-party repositories are not analyzed. Classification depends on Debian's package metadata.

The original vrms was created as a playful tool named after Richard Stallman, founder of the Free Software Foundation. It was renamed to check-dfsg-status for a more neutral and descriptive name.

apt(8), dpkg(1)