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Description
I am writing to formally address Xiaomi regarding the continued absence of the Linux kernel source code for the Redmi Note 13 4G device. This device is distributed commercially with Android / HyperOS, an operating system that is fundamentally built upon the Linux kernel, which is licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2 (GPLv2).
By distributing a product that contains a modified Linux kernel, Xiaomi is legally obligated under the terms of the GPLv2 to provide the complete corresponding source code. This obligation includes the full kernel source, all device-specific modifications, configuration files, and any additional components required to reproduce the kernel binaries shipped with the device. This is not a voluntary practice, but a mandatory legal requirement attached to the use and distribution of GPL-licensed software.
As of today, the kernel source code for the Redmi Note 13 4G has not been published on Xiaomi’s official open-source repository or any other official channel, despite the device having been available on the market for a considerable period and receiving official system updates. This ongoing omission constitutes a clear and ongoing violation of the GPLv2 license.
Non-compliance with the GPL exposes Xiaomi to potential legal consequences, including formal compliance actions and legal proceedings initiated by organizations dedicated to enforcing free software licenses. The GPL has been repeatedly upheld as legally enforceable in multiple jurisdictions, and failure to comply can result in injunctions, distribution restrictions, and reputational damage.
Beyond the legal implications, this failure undermines the trust of developers, security researchers, and technically knowledgeable users who rely on kernel source availability for auditing, maintenance, custom development, and long-term device support. Xiaomi has historically benefited from the open-source ecosystem and has released kernel sources for many of its devices in the past, which makes the lack of compliance for the Redmi Note 13 4G particularly troubling and inconsistent with established practice.
I therefore formally request that Xiaomi immediately fulfill its legal obligations under the GPLv2 license by releasing the complete and corresponding kernel source code for the Redmi Note 13 4G. Prompt compliance would demonstrate respect for open-source licensing, protect Xiaomi from avoidable legal exposure, and reaffirm the company’s stated commitment to transparency and the open-source community.
Failure to address this matter in a timely manner may leave affected parties with no choice but to escalate the issue to organizations specializing in GPL enforcement and software freedom compliance.