[FSFE PR][EN] FSFE welcomes German Government's White Paper on "Secure Boot"

[press at fsfeurope.org]

=FSFE welcomes German Government's White Paper on "Secure Boot" =

[Read online: https://fsfe.org/news/2012/news-20121120-01.html]

Yesterday the German Ministry of the Interior published a white paper
about "Trusted Computing" and "Secure Boot". The white paper says that
"device owners must be in complete control of (able to manage and
monitor) all the trusted computing security systems of their devices."
This has been one of FSFE's key demands from the beginning. The document
continues that "delegating this control to third parties requires
conscious and informed consent by the device owner".

Another demand by the FSFE is adressed by the government's white paper.
That before purchasing a device, buyers must be informed concisely about
the technical measures implemented in this device, as well as the
specific usage restrictions and their consequences for the owner:
"Trusted computing security systems must be deactivated (opt-in
principle)" when devices are delivered. "Based on the necessary
transparency with regard to technical features and content of trusted
computing solutions, device owners must be able to make responsible
decisions when it comes to product selection, start-up, configuration,
operation and shut-down." And "Deactivation must also be possible later
(opt- out function) and must not have any negative impact on the
functioning of hard- and software that does not use trusted computing
functions."

"It is an important step, that a government now takes a firm stand on
"Secure Boot", too. We as a society have to make sure, that we are
in control of our computers, so everyone can install arbitrary software
and is able to retain exclusive control over his own data. Full, sole
and permanent control over security subsystems is necessary for this.",
says Matthias Kirschner, German Coordinator of the FSFE. "Now the
Government has to implement their position when buying new hardware."

- - German's Federal Government White Paper on Trusted Computing and
  Secure Boot:
http://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Downloads/DE/Themen/OED_Verwaltung/Informationsgesellschaft/trusted_computing_eng.html

- - FSFE's analysis:

http://fsfe.org/campaigns/generalpurposecomputing/secure-boot-analysis.en.html

- - Petition "Stand up for your freedom to install free software":
  http://www.fsf.org/campaigns/secure-boot-vs-restricted-boot/statement


= About the Free Software Foundation Europe =

  The Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) is a non-profit
  non-governmental organisation active in many European countries and
  involved in many global activities. Access to software determines
  participation in a digital society.  To secure equal participation in
  the information age, as well as freedom of competition, the Free
  Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) pursues and is dedicated to the
  furthering of Free Software, defined by the freedoms to use, study,
  modify and copy. Founded in 2001, creating awareness for these issues,
  securing Free Software politically and legally, and giving people
  Freedom by supporting development of Free Software are central issues
  of the FSFE.

  http://fsfe.org/