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0 pointscomex4y ago0 comments

> If this is possible, then device makers should do it, ship the free-software firmware on the device, and then get it RYF-certified. No blobs needed, ROM or otherwise! Problem solved!

The device maker could ship with programmable proprietary firmware and have the possibility of being RYF-certified in the future if someone writes free firmware. Or they could ship with proprietary firmware in ROM and be guaranteed RYF certification immediately. The rules encourage them to pick the second option, and it's no surprise that companies such as Purism have done so.

Yet that option is never better for user freedom, since making software un-upgradeable does not make it any more free. And occasionally it is worse, in the event free firmware becomes available later on.

0 comments

csande174y ago

It sure sucks that device makers just have to wait and hope someone writes free firmware. If only they had some way to cause the firmware to be written, perhaps involving things like "money" or "employees" or "contracts with vendors".

The alternatives to this policy are allowing all blobs, in which case the RYF certification isn't actually verifying anything, or not allowing any blobs, in which case RYF cannot certify any devices made after 2009 (something the author also takes issue with). Making it expensive and risky for device makers to rely on blobs is the only middle ground that makes sense.

kaba04y ago

You seem to miss that these devices are often full of patented parts, so in most cases even if the manufacturer wanted to, they can’t provide sources. Also, modems are often legally mandated to have certain firmware (so that restricted frequencies are adhered to)

seba_dos14y ago

> even if the manufacturer wanted to, they can’t provide sources

In many cases they don't even have them or may not be aware that there's an upgradable firmware in some of the components they're using at all.

int_19h4y ago

Why would they spend time and effort on this, when there's a far simpler way to get the certification with existing non-free blobs?

yxhuvud4y ago

No, the alternative is to not be a binary yes or no certification, but to construct a nonbinary scale to measure how free it is.

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