The Debian Project has announced that the upcoming release - Debian 6.0 "Squeeze" - will have a completely free Linux kernel. This means that the Linux kernel which ships with Debian 6.0 will not have any non-free firmware.

The Debian Project has been working on removing the non-free parts since the last two releases. With Squeeze, they are finally realizing that goal.

We are proud to announce that, to the best of our knowledge, all issues are solved and that we will be able to deliver a Linux kernel which is completely Free, according to the Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG) with Debian Squeeze. We hereby reaffirm Free Software as one of our priorities, as documented in the Debian Social Contract.

The reality is however different and it is not yet possible to support all hardware with only DFSG free firmware. So, alternative installation images and additional packages for Debian Squeeze, that include non-free firmware will be added to the non-free archive.

Although Debian Squeeze will now be free according to the DFSG, it is still not free according to FSF's definition because of the presence of the non-free repository.

Further Readings:

1. Debian 6.0 Squeezeto be released with completely free Linux Kernel

2. The Debian Free Software Guidelines (DFSG)

3. Explaining Why We Don't Endorse Other Systems