OpenSSL, the widely-used open-source software library for encrypting communications on the internet, has announced a new governance model aimed at increasing transparency and accountability within the project.

The new governance model, which was unveiled by the OpenSSL Foundation, will see the creation of a Technical Steering Committee (TSC) responsible for overseeing the project’s development and setting technical direction.

According to the foundation, the TSC will be made up of a diverse group of individuals with a range of expertise in cryptography, security, and open-source software development. The committee will be responsible for reviewing and approving code changes, coordinating release schedules, and managing the technical roadmap for the project.

In addition to the TSC, the governance model will also establish a Board of Directors tasked with overseeing the foundation’s operations, including managing finances and legal matters. The board will be made up of representatives from the OpenSSL community as well as independent industry experts.

The new governance model aims to address some of the concerns raised in the past about the transparency and decision-making processes within the OpenSSL project. By creating clear structures for oversight and accountability, the foundation hopes to increase trust in the project and attract more contributors and users.

In a statement announcing the governance model, the OpenSSL Foundation emphasized its commitment to maintaining OpenSSL as a high-quality, secure, and reliable software library that is widely used across the internet. The foundation also expressed its gratitude to the community for its continued support and contributions to the project.

The unveiling of the new governance model is a significant milestone for OpenSSL, which has faced criticism in the past for its handling of security vulnerabilities and maintenance issues. By implementing clear structures for decision-making and oversight, the project aims to demonstrate its commitment to improving security and reliability for all users.

Overall, the new governance model for OpenSSL represents an important step forward in the project’s evolution. By increasing transparency and accountability, the foundation hopes to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the OpenSSL project and continue its mission of providing secure communications for users around the world.