# Is disabling IME using HAP bit ideal? Why would the U.S. require it?

**URL:** https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/is-disabling-ime-using-hap-bit-ideal-why-would-the-u-s-require-it/23275
**Category:** Questions
**Tags:** hardware
**Created:** 2024-12-19T02:46:17Z
**Posts:** 3

## Post 1 by @juniper — 2024-12-19T02:46:17Z

I have read Jonah’s informative [answer](https://discuss.privacyguides.net/t/intel-me-hardware-backdoor-speculation/20776/2) to the question on Intel ME backdoor speculation. The summary is the ME sucks but you should not disable it with me\_cleaner because that introduces more security issues. I’m left wondering, is this still the case if you disable Intel Management Engine using the HAP disable bit rather than me\_cleaner? If so, why would the United States government [require](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/hardware/researchers-find-a-way-to-disable-much-hated-intel-me-component-courtesy-of-the-nsa/) it for their High Assurance Program? (Not meant to be a gotcha question, I’m genuinely curious.)

---

## Post 2 by @Valynor — 2024-12-19T02:51:42Z



---

## Post 3 by @Valynor — 2024-12-19T02:52:15Z

No reason to create _another_ thread about this.  
Please post your question in one of the old ones.