October 16, 2024 – CAcert, a well-known non-profit organization that provides free digital certificates to users worldwide, has announced a significant change in its operational structure. The organization has officially relocated its headquarters from New South Wales, Australia, to Switzerland, in a move aimed at aligning more closely with its European member base. This update was communicated to members through a recent email.
The email, co-signed by CAcert President Brian McCullough and Secretary Etienne Ruedin, informed users that the Policy Group—CAcert’s legislative body—has made modifications to the CAcert Community Agreement (CCA) and several key policies, including the Privacy Policy and Root Distribution License (RDL). These changes primarily remove references to the location of the organization’s head office, reflecting its new base in Europe.
No Impact on Members or Policies
Despite the adjustments, CAcert has assured its members that the relocation and the associated policy changes will not affect the meaning of the CCA or the relationship between CAcert and its community. Members are not required to take any action unless they disagree with the changes, in which case they are instructed to cancel their membership.
New Services and Improvements
In addition to the relocation, CAcert announced several innovations and upgrades aimed at enhancing its services. The organization continues to emphasize its Web of Trust system, which provides personal verification of certificates for purposes like identification, document signing, and encryption. This verification process sets CAcert apart from other certificate authorities.
One of the major new offerings is OpenID Connect, a secure login system that allows users to log into websites without needing a password by using CAcert certificates. This service is seen as a more secure alternative to using traditional credentials from large internet corporations.
CAcert has also introduced Organisation Assurance (OrgA), a service designed to verify organizations, making it easier for businesses to utilize CAcert certificates. The OrgA initiative is expected to generate income for the organization, which has been seeking ways to stabilize its financial footing.
Call for Support
In their email, McCullough and Ruedin also appealed to the community for financial and volunteer support, citing ongoing operational costs such as server maintenance and energy consumption. The annual cost of running CAcert’s infrastructure is around €3,000, and the organization is asking for donations or regular contributions to help cover these expenses.
Alternatively, members are encouraged to offer their time and expertise, whether in technical roles or in non-technical capacities, to help the volunteer-driven organization maintain its services.
For more information on how to donate or get involved, CAcert has provided links on its website and encourages members to engage with the community to ensure its continued success.
With its headquarters now in Switzerland, CAcert aims to streamline its operations while continuing to provide its unique, community-driven services to users around the world.
About CAcert
CAcert is a community-supported Certificate Authority that issues digital certificates to individuals and organizations at no cost. It operates based on its Web of Trust system, where members personally verify each other’s identities to ensure the integrity of issued certificates.
For further details, visit CAcert’s website at CAcert.org.
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