The Latin American Foundation of Free has recently released the latest version of the completely free Linux kernel – Linux-libre 6.14-gnu. This version has been meticulously cleaned of any firmware and drivers that contain non-free components or code areas restricted by the manufacturer. Furthermore, Linux-Libre has disabled any functionalities within the kernel that allow the loading of external non-free components not included in the kernel’s distribution. It has also removed any references to the use of non-free components from the documentation.
In order to achieve the goal of purifying the kernel from non-free elements, the Linux-libre project has developed a universal script. This script contains thousands of templates that help detect the presence of binary inserts and eliminate them. Additionally, patches created based on the results of this script are available for download. The Linux-Libre core is highly recommended for use in distributions that align with the criteria for building completely free GNU distributions, such as Guix System, Dragora Linux, Trisquel, Dyne:bolic, Gnewsense, Parabola, Musix, and Kongoni.
In the Linux-Libre 6.14-GNU release, there are specific codes put forth to clean blobs found in new drivers such as HX9023S, AMDXDNA, and TAS2781 SPI. Additionally, blobs have been purified in DTS files for the Aarch64 architecture. The code for removing blobs in drivers like Intel AVS, AMDGPU, R8169, MT7996, and IWLWIFI has been updated. Furthermore, the driver WL128X, which contained blobs, has been removed entirely from the kernel.