AMD removes memory encryption from consumer CPUs, sparking concerns over corporate control of security
Original framing: “Users cry foul after AMD stripped memory crypto from its consumer CPUs” — Ars Technica
In many non-Western contexts, hardware security is not only a technical concern but also a matter of sovereignty and resistance to surveillance. For example, in countries with high levels of state surveillance, the removal of encryption features can be seen as a form of digital colonization.
AMD's removal of memory encryption from consumer CPUs is not just a technical decision but a reflection of broader systemic issues in the tech industry.
It reveals how corporate interests often override user security and transparency, particularly when decisions are made without public consultation. By drawing on Indigenous principles of stewardship, historical precedents of corporate control, and cross-cultural perspectives on digital sovereignty, we can begin to reframe the conversation around hardware security. The marginalization of open-source communities and the lack of regulatory oversight further underscore the need for systemic change. A future where hardware is designed with user agency in mind requires not only technical solutions but also a shift in power dynamics and a commitment to transparency and accountability.