[Buge]

If the NSA is forcing Google to install chips in Chromebooks, then that's a sign that one group (the NSA) is getting a ton of power, since they likely also compelled chips in Android, Windows, iOS, Mac, and even Linux computers.

Whereas if Google is putting chips into their Chromebooks of their own initiative, that is no indication that Google is getting power over Windows, iOS, Mac, or Linux computers.

[asciilifeform]

Do you particularly care whether the backdoor was installed at Google's initiative, or Trump's ?

The golden key exists, and will be used.

[Buge]

Yes, I do care. Because if Trump ordered it, then likely Linux, Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS also were ordered to have these, and nothing is safe.

But if Google decided to put a chip in their computers of their own initiative, then that's not an indication that the other computers have a chip. So I feel I'm much safer.

I care about my rights. If computer manufacturers lose their right to design their products as they see fit (i.e. they're forced to install chips against their will), that means the government is severely limiting its citizens' rights. There is likely no hope for my freedom. But if a manufacturer puts a chip in of their own free will, that's not really infringing my rights. I can simply buy computers from a different manufacturer.