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New Technical Advisory Committees Formed by OpenSSL

On March 14, 2025, the OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation announced a significant initiative: the creation of Technical Advisory Committees (TACs). This strategic move aims to provide specialized guidance and direction for its technical endeavors, reflecting the diverse voices within the OpenSSL community.

Purpose of the TACs

The TACs will play a pivotal role in ensuring that feedback from all segments of the OpenSSL ecosystem—including academics, committers, distributions, individuals, and businesses, both large and small—is considered in technical decision-making.

By implementing these advisory bodies, OpenSSL seeks not only to improve its governance structure but also to align its mission and values with the needs of the community it serves. The organization recognizes the importance of incorporating insights from various stakeholders to drive the OpenSSL Project forward effectively.

Objectives of the TACs

The TACs will focus on several key areas:

• - Development Roadmap: They will guide the development roadmap of the OpenSSL Library, emphasizing security best practices.
• - Advisory Role: They will provide expert opinions on cryptographic technologies and governance policies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and practices.
• - Coordination with BACs: TACs will work closely with Business Advisory Committees (BACs) to ensure that the technical direction matches industry needs.

Election Process and Timeline

The election of TAC members is crucial for bringing the right expertise into these advisory roles. The timeline for the nomination and election process is as follows:

• - March 17 – April 13: Registration and nominations, followed by candidate vetting.
• - April 14 – 27: Open voting period on the community's designated page.
• - April 28: Results will be announced, showcasing the elected members of the TACs.

Community Engagement: TAC QA Sessions

In preparation for this new initiative, the OpenSSL Corporation and the OpenSSL Foundation will conduct two Question and Answer sessions, aimed at providing clarity on the TACs' role and the election process:

Session 1

• - Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• - Time: 2:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
• - Duration: 30 Minutes
• - Speakers: Tim Hudson (President, OpenSSL Corporation) and Matt Caswell (President, OpenSSL Foundation)

Session 2

• - Date: Tuesday, March 25, 2025
• - Time: 9:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
• - Duration: 30 Minutes
• - Speakers: Anton Arapov (Operations Director, OpenSSL Corporation) and Matt Caswell (President, OpenSSL Foundation)

Both sessions are designed to engage community members and explain how they can become involved in shaping the future of the OpenSSL Library.

Get Involved

The OpenSSL community is invited to participate in the nomination process, understand the election protocols, and engage in the QA sessions. This collaborative approach reflects OpenSSL’s commitment to transparency and inclusivity. For more information, community members can visit the OpenSSL communities page or follow the foundation's blog.

For inquiries, interested parties are encouraged to contact the OpenSSL Corporation directly at ***@openssl.org.

As OpenSSL continues to evolve, the establishment of these Technical Advisory Committees marks an important step in ensuring that its governance remains robust and responsive to the needs of its diverse community. The initiative signifies a dedication to maintaining high standards in security and governance within the ever-changing landscape of technology.