We update our Subscriber Agreement from time to time, primarily to reflect policies or to improve the clarity of the terms. In a recent update, v1.7, we made a change that was meant to add visibility to legal requirements related to U.S. sanctions, but the wording gave an incomplete view of the relevant laws. As a result, members of our community were understandably confused and concerned. We are sorry that happened and want to take a minute to give context to what is in v1.8, the updated version of our subscriber agreement.
Version 1.8 of the Let's Encrypt Subscriber Agreement replaces the sanctions provision that was added in v1.7 with a new section on compliance with applicable laws, including U.S. export control and sanctions regulations. This section makes visible what has always been true: ISRG complies with applicable U.S. law, and has since Let's Encrypt began issuing certificates. The revision brings the text of the Subscriber Agreement in line with the policy and practice we have followed since our inception. It does not change where or to whom Let's Encrypt issues certificates. Where we are legally permitted to issue certificates, we will continue to do so.
Under applicable sanctions, we are not permitted to issue certificates to certain prohibited or restricted parties. However, there are critical authorizations designed to promote the continued availability of Internet communication services that we rely on to provide services to permitted users in sanctioned countries and territories.
These exemptions and authorizations allow services like Let’s Encrypt to issue certificates to non-governmental people and organizations in several of the comprehensively sanctioned countries and territories. As a result, we have not, and do not, block the use by non-governmental people and entities in comprehensively sanctioned countries and territories where those exemptions and authorizations are in place.
We’re proud to have served, and continue to serve, the vast majority of people and entities around the world, including the most vulnerable populations.