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Open Source

Security

Encryption Security Patch Security Audit Transparency

Software with publicly available source code under an open license; enables review and reuse.

Definition

Open-source software publishes source code under licenses that allow inspection, modification, and redistribution. Security depends on governance, maintenance, and review, not openness alone.

In plain English Software with publicly available source code under an open license; enables review and reuse.

Why this matters

Why it matters: Openness can reduce hidden behavior and support audits, but outdated code can still be vulnerable.

Example

Example: A project runs regular third-party audits and publishes reproducible builds and vulnerability disclosures.

Apps Using Open Source

Examples of apps that implement or relate to this privacy concept

Element logo

Element

Privacy Score: 82

Element offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the messaging space, with a stronger focus on d...

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Briar logo

Briar

Privacy Score: 87

Briar offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the messaging space, with a stronger focus on dat...

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IVPN logo

IVPN

Privacy Score: 91

IVPN offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the vpn space, with a stronger focus on data prote...

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Tails logo

Tails

Privacy Score: 96

Tails offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the operating system space, with a stronger focus...

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Mull logo

Mull

Privacy Score: 80

Mull offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the browser space, with a stronger focus on data p...

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Proton Mail logo

Proton Mail

Privacy Score: 88

Proton Mail offers a privacy-conscious alternative in the email space, with a stronger focus on d...

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