155K views · Sep 19, 2013 · 0:27 · 0 HN recommenders · 4 mentions · discussed 2019–2024
A short clip from the 2013 LinuxCon Linux Kernel Panel in which Linus Torvalds is asked about being approached to insert a backdoor into Linux. He answers no verbally while nodding yes, which became a much-shared moment.
Why Hacker News points people here: Cited as the source clip whenever threads discuss government pressure, backdoors, or trust in the Linux kernel.
“This is the clip where Linus did this”HN comment, 2024
“Linus himself semi-openly admits he's been approached...”
Torvalds' answer about being approached to add a backdoor.
RedHats collaboration with NSA is well documented. I think given what we know of past actions it's at best extremely naive to not at least entertain it as a possibility. Linus himself semi-openly admits he's been approached... this video
“the guy responding is Linus Torvalds who created and still manages Linux.”
Clip of Torvalds responding about backdoors.
Saving people the google search, I believe secfirstmd is referring to: this video For anyone not good with faces the guy responding is Linus Torvalds who created and still manages Linux.
“The widely revered Torvalds reverse nod”
Not in proper condition for a pithy reply, so I'll link drop instead. 1. The widely revered Torvalds reverse nod: this video Thanks for the earnest, humble insight. Edit: Removed irrelevant link.
“This is the clip where Linus did this”
Clip where Torvalds nods while saying no to backdoors.
> he said “No”, but at the same time he nodded This is the clip where Linus did this: this video The over-exaggerated nod and pronunciation make it seem to me like Linus was just making a joke, particuarly since it was followed up by a more serious "no".
