The OpenSSL licensing model has changed, and it matters more than ever.

OpenSSL shifted from the old dual license (OpenSSL License + SSLeay License) to the Apache License 2.0 starting with version 3.0. This move impacts how teams use, distribute, and modify the library in production. The Apache License 2.0 is a permissive open source license. It allows commercial use, redistribution, modification, and private use, but requires proper attribution and includes clear patent terms.

For security-critical systems, OpenSSL is often embedded deep in the stack—within TLS, HTTPS, and cryptographic functions. Choosing the right licensing model and understanding its conditions is not optional. Under the Apache License 2.0, there is no copyleft. Your project does not have to open-source its own code if it links to OpenSSL. However, you must retain license notices in source and binary distributions. Ignoring those terms risks legal exposure.

The switch to Apache License 2.0 also resolves old compatibility issues with other popular licenses. Under the previous OpenSSL License, integration into some GPL projects required additional exceptions. Now, Apache 2.0 aligns better with modern license norms, making OpenSSL simpler to adopt.

If you maintain forks, apply patches, or redistribute binaries, track the version precisely. Versions before 3.0 are still under the old model, which carries different obligations. Migrating to the Apache 2.0-licensed OpenSSL can streamline compliance and reduce maintenance friction.

Teams should document license compliance rules alongside dependency updates. Automating license scans in CI/CD helps detect mismatches early. Clear licensing means faster approvals from legal teams and fewer delays in shipping secure builds.

OpenSSL remains a cornerstone of secure software delivery. Understanding the current licensing model keeps your project safe, compliant, and ready for scale.

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