diff --git a/Makefile.am b/Makefile.am
index 4a2a8c8eb..766b2cca4 100644
--- a/Makefile.am
+++ b/Makefile.am
@@ -81,15 +81,4 @@ dist-hook: dist-clear-sticky-bits
 dist-clear-sticky-bits:
 	chmod -R a-s $(distdir)
 
-tar_file = $(PACKAGE_TARNAME)-$(VERSION).tar.xz
-sha256_file = $(tar_file).sha256
-gpg_file = $(sha256_file).asc
-$(sha256_file): $(tar_file)
-	sha256sum $^ > $@
-$(gpg_file): $(sha256_file)
-	@echo "Please enter your GPG password to sign the checksum."
-	gpg --armor --sign $^
-
-release-files: $(tar_file) $(sha256_file) $(gpg_file)
-
 -include $(top_srcdir)/git.mk
diff --git a/RELEASING.md b/RELEASING.md
index a26350b36..e28d5d195 100644
--- a/RELEASING.md
+++ b/RELEASING.md
@@ -37,12 +37,10 @@ HarfBuzz release walk-through checklist:
    as well as any REPLACEME changes you made.  The commit message is simply the
    release number.  Eg. "1.4.7"
 
-8. "make dist" again to get a tarball with your new commit in the ChangeLog.  Then
-   "make release-files".  Enter your GPG password.  This creates a sha256 hash
-   and signs it.  Check the size of the three resulting files.
+8. "make dist" again to get a tarball with your new commit in the ChangeLog.
 
 9. Tag the release and sign it: Eg. "git tag -s 1.4.7 -m 1.4.7".  Enter your
-   GPG password again.
+   GPG password.
 
 10. Build win32 bundle.  See [README.mingw.md](README.mingw.md).