The Free Software Foundation LibrePhone just launchedwhich is perhaps its most ambitious project in four decades: achieving a smartphone completely free of proprietary software. It is a goal that has been pursued for years and along the way we have found promising ideas, although without resounding success. The FSF openly recognizes that the work will be long, but believes that it is time to take on the challenge.
The underlying problem. On practically any computer it is perfectly possible to run completely free operating systemsfrom the kernel to the applications. However, on mobile phones this is still impossible, despite well-known projects such as GrapheneOS, Replicant either PureOS.
The reason has a name: binary blobs. These are small fragments of proprietary and closed code that control basic hardware functions: the modem connection, graphic acceleration, GPS or the camera. Without these components, the phone simply does not work. And chip manufacturers like Qualcomm or Broadcom do not share the necessary technical documentation so that external programmers can create free alternatives.
This is what GrapheneOS looks like. Image: Ricardo Aguilar
Why previous attempts have failed. The most representative case is Replicanta project that in 2010 tried to create a completely free Android version. He managed to remove the Google components, but hit a wall on the hardware side. And without documentation from the manufacturers, it was impossible to recreate the necessary drivers. Today Replicant still exists, but it only works on old phones like the Galaxy S3and not even with all its operational functions.
Other projects such as GrapheneOS or LineageOS have opted for a more pragmatic approach by removing Google software, but maintaining proprietary blobs to ensure that the device works correctly. It is a compromise that improves privacy, but does not meet the strict definition of free software that defend the FSF.
LibrePhone’s strategy. The project, led by veteran developer Rob Savoye, does not aim to create another mobile operating system or make phones. Its objective is more specific: to reverse engineer the proprietary components left in projects like LineageOS to create completely free alternatives.
The FSF is funding the first phase of the work with a donation from John Gilmore, a member of its board of directors, who has been using LineageOS for years precisely to eliminate what he calls ‘Google spyware.’ The idea It is to first identify a phone model that has the fewest possible privacy problems and that these are solvable, exhaustively document how its proprietary components work and, from there, create free code substitutes that any programmer can audit and modify.
A legal and technical obstacle. The difficulty is not only technical. Chipmakers protect their technology with strict confidentiality agreements that prevent developers from accessing documentation. As the media points out ZDNetworking without those technical manuals is like trying to ‘sew with boxing gloves’. Furthermore, reverse engineering in this context is a slow, expensive process with uncertain results. Savoye admits It will not be fast or cheap, but the project is based on the previous work of other developers who have done a good part of the journey.
Other open fronts. Interestingly, GrapheneOS, one of the most respected systems in mobile privacy, just announced that works with a large Android manufacturer to bring its system to other devices beyond Google’s Pixel. Until now, only the Pixels met the security standards and updates that GrapheneOS requires. The announcement suggests that at least one manufacturer is starting to take these requirements seriously, although GrapheneOS still includes proprietary blobs in its system. It is not the completely free phone that the FSF is looking for, but it is a sign that the industry could be starting to move.
What are we left with? LibrePhone represents the most serious commitment to date to achieve a truly free smartphone. The FSF knows that a long game has begun and that it will need help. In fact, they are looking for volunteers for documentation, testing and dissemination, as well as donations. Success is not guaranteed, especially in this sector, where all previous projects have failed to offer a smartphone with 100% free software. But the FSF also argues that if no one tries, the goal will never be achieved.
Cover image | He Junhui
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