OpenSSL Adopts Apache License 2.0: A Streamlined Path for Secure Development

The license changed, and the world noticed. OpenSSL, long a cornerstone of secure communication, now runs under the Apache License 2.0. This shift replaced the old dual-license model—OpenSSL License and SSLeay License—with a single, modern framework aligned with mainstream open-source practices.

The Apache License 2.0 is permissive. It allows use, modification, and distribution across commercial and non-commercial projects without copyleft restrictions. It simplifies compliance by removing the advertising clause that once frustrated users of the previous OpenSSL License. It also clarifies patent rights, creating a transparent legal environment for developers and companies shipping software with embedded OpenSSL.

This change matters when integrating OpenSSL into large codebases, CI/CD flows, and enterprise deployments. The legacy model forced teams to track a blend of BSD-style terms and unique clauses. Now, the terms are consistent with many other Apache-licensed projects. That reduces the friction in legal reviews, procurement approvals, and automated license scanning.

For security-conscious teams, the licensing model affects more than paperwork. It shapes how quickly code can move from repository to production. Apache 2.0 compatibility means OpenSSL can sit alongside other popular libraries without triggering complex relicensing or separate attribution requirements. It allows faster adaptation of security patches and updates—a crucial factor in reducing attack surfaces.

Understanding the OpenSSL licensing model today is not optional. It defines the boundaries of use, redistribution, and derivative work. If you build products that rely on SSL/TLS, or any cryptographic primitives exposed by OpenSSL, you need to confirm your compliance strategy matches Apache 2.0 terms. The simplicity of the model is also its power: one license, plain language, clear rules.

The transition to Apache License 2.0 completed with OpenSSL version 3.0. Projects still using earlier releases carry the old dual-license baggage, so upgrading is not just about features or security—it’s about aligning with a modern, streamlined legal framework.

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