Intel modifies the microcode license agreement

Intel recently released a microcode update to fix a newly exposed predictive execution vulnerability L1 Terminal Fault (L1TF), but in the microcode update user license agreement, the chip giant joined the terms of the ban. This requirement has caused widespread controversy, and the well-known Linux distribution Debian refused to accept its microcode update due to this restrictive clause.

Intel’s approach is incredible. After inviting community criticism, it modified the licensing agreement and removed the terms of the ban. Users now allow us to evaluate the impact of the latest patches on Intel processor performance. Imad Sousou, Intel’s vice president of open source, said that they modified the license to simplify the distribution of microcode updates. He said that as an active member of the open source community, they welcome all feedback and thank the community.        

We have simplified the Intel license to make it easier to distribute CPU microcode updates and posted the new version here: https://t.co/x5JByIv3j9. As an active member of the open source community, we continue to welcome all feedback and thank the community. #IAmIntel

— Imad Sousou (@imadsousou) August 23, 2018