On Wed, 2017-08-30 at 12:50 +0200, Marc Haber wrote: > That's a point, but I cannot validate whether the free hardware > design running the free software crypto app isn't backdoored anyway due > to lack of knowledge and expertise.
Some large fraction of the world could/would make the same argument about Open Source software too, since they have little to no programming skills or knowledge. Apart from the good (better than I'm about to make IMHO) points Ian J made it is also the case that if you have the hw design (or source code) then you have the _opportunity_ to acquire the knowledge/expertise the interpret/check/extend/fix/break them if you want, either by unlocking those achievements yourself or (if you have the means to trade money in lieu of your time learning something you may not be inherently interested in) by employing someone who already has them (or multiple independent someones if you are both a bit paranoid and rather flush with cash...). You don't get that opportunity with closed hardware (or software). Ian.
