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+---
+title: Libreboot calls on AMD to release source code and specs for Ryzen platform
+...
+
+Recently in the Libreboot project, we've been informed about the new
+Ryzen platforms being released and sold by AMD. They are currently
+taking input from the community. Here are ways you can contact AMD to
+tell them that you demand libre hardware:
+
+- <https://www.reddit.com/r/Amd/comments/5x4hxu/we_are_amd_creators_of_athlon_radeon_and_other/def5h1b/>
+- <https://twitter.com/amd?lang=en>
+- <https://www.facebook.com/AMD/>
+- <https://community.amd.com/places?filterID=all%7Eobjecttype%7Espace>
+- <https://www.amd.com/en-us/who-we-are/contact> (has contact links
+ for multiple countries)
+- **AMD's CEO, Lisa Su, can be contacted directly via email. Tell her
+ that you demand libre hardware: <lisa.su@amd.com>**
+
+Libreboot aims to provide fully *free software* initialization firmware
+on Intel, AMD, ARM, POWER and RISC-V platforms, and already does so on
+some older platforms.
+
+As documented in the [Libreboot FAQ section](../faq.md#amd), AMD is
+currently uncooperative in the libre software movement. Specifically, it
+releases non-free binary-only firmware for its platforms, along with
+tyrant technologies like the [AMD Platform Security
+Processor](../faq.md#amdpsp).
+
+We in the Libreboot project call on AMD to release source code and start
+cooperating with our upstream, [coreboot](https://coreboot.org/) (and
+[librecore](http://librecore.info)) for its new Ryzen platform and
+existing Zen platforms. This includes source code for all initialization
+firmware (typically referred to as the BIOS or UEFI firmware, by some
+members of the community), and in particular, the *AMD Platform Security
+Processor*, to allow the free/libre software community to use AMD
+hardware that is entirely freedom-respecting. If it's not too much to
+ask, we also would like source code and signing keys, including for the
+PSP and microcode for the CPU.
+
+We would also like to have board design guides, datasheets and
+footprints for CPUs/southbridges and so on.
+
+We especially need the signing keys to be released, for those components
+which are signed (PSP, CPU microcode, SMU, etc). This will make
+utilising any released source code possible (at present, some components
+will not run unless the firmware is signed by a certain signature,
+usually under lock and key by the hardware manufacturer).
+
+We in the community need freedom-respecting hardware! We call on AMD to
+work with us in the Libreboot, Coreboot and Librecore projects on
+bringing about a world where computing technology is no longer under
+lock and key from the manufacturer, and instead in the control and
+ownership of users.
+
+This has several benefits for AMD. There is currently a huge demand in
+the market for libre hardware. At present, the only companies providing
+it are ones like [Ministry of Freedom](https://minifree.org) where
+systems are sold with entirely free software, including the boot
+firmware and operating system, without any signed firmware for which no
+keys are available to the public.
+
+The problem? These companies are selling much older systems that are
+made libre mostly through reverse engineering. At present, the systems
+sold by such companies are using older hardware designs from 5-10 years
+ago, which means that most people who wish to use all libre software
+cannot do so, due to practicality concerns. There are some people who
+will use these older systems, but that is not without a huge sacrifice
+to their convenience since they end up using older, obsolete hardware
+and certain tasks (especially serious software development) becomes
+impractical for a lot of people.
+
+AMD has the power to reverse this trend, and there is a potential for a
+great amount of profit to be made. The free/libre and open source
+software communities would jump head over heels to support such a move.
+In other words, AMD can make money from investing in the libre software
+community.
+
+There is even a precedent already set. AMD previously did release source
+code for all of their newer platforms, to the coreboot project, but then
+they stopped. We're calling for this to resume, and to expand further
+than before.
+
+Here are some examples of popular campaigns, some of which were
+successful:
+
+- <https://www.crowdsupply.com/sutajio-kosagi/novena>
+- <https://www.crowdsupply.com/eoma68/micro-desktop>
+- <https://www.crowdsupply.com/raptor-computing-systems/talos-secure-workstation>
+
+In all of these cases, the campaigns were popular and this was despite
+the hardware either being low-end and unsuitable for most people, or too
+expensive for most people to afford.
+
+Then look at the popularity of the Libreboot project.
+
+Just imagine what would happen if AMD started to produce cheap,
+affordable libre hardware, to the point where Libreboot could start
+supporting newer systems from AMD. The possibilities are endless! People
+would jump towards AMD and AMD's sales would go through the roof, while
+we in the libre hardware community would finally have systems from a
+manufacturer that cares for our freedoms to use our computers without
+proprietary software.
+
+Even low-end hardware like the BeagleBone or Raspberry Pi ([which can be
+liberated](https://blog.rosenzweig.io/blobless-linux-on-the-pi.html))
+shows that libre technology is profitable, and desired by the community.
+
+Then look at the Google Chromebooks. These devices come with coreboot
+preinstalled by default! There are even some ARM chromebooks that we
+support in Libreboot, which are still produced and sold brand new by
+resellers (e.g. Amazon, Newegg, etc). These devices are sold in the
+millions! This just shows that it's not only possible, but profitable,
+for AMD to start releasing systems which respect the freedom of users.
+
+It's not just commercial benefits that are made possible. There are all
+kinds of possibilities for scientific research if systems are libre at
+the hardware/firmware level. For instance, at present, universities do
+not teach BIOS / boot firmware development in their computer science
+courses, because this technology is currently restricted by
+manufacturers and available only to a privileged few.
+
+AMD has the power to do the right thing. We in Libreboot call on AMD to
+work with us in building a world where users of technology can use their
+computers without relying on any proprietary software. We want - need -
+a world of highly secure, libre, owner-controlled hardware, from
+companies that care about software freedom.
+
+We in the Libreboot project are available to contact, using the details
+on the homepage. We look forward to working with AMD :)
+
+