Is Bitwarden’s Open Source Model at Risk?
Recently, users have raised concerns following changes to the source code of Bitwarden’s desktop client. The password manager, known for its open-source structure and accessible features, has introduced a new dependency called bitwarden/sdk-internal
. This update includes a restrictive clause that prevents the use of this development kit for any implementations other than those of Bitwarden. This limitation has sparked strong reactions on platforms like GitHub and Reddit, where some users feel this change could undermine the open-source nature of the software.
Community Reactions
The discussions have quickly escalated. Many users are worried that Bitwarden may be straying from its foundational principles, leading some to consider switching to alternatives like Proton Pass. Though Bitwarden offers a robust free version and a premium option for 10 euros per year, its popularity largely hinges on the transparency of its code. Any change perceived as restricting the freedom to use its SDK could diminish user trust.
Bitwarden’s Response
Kyle Spearrin, the founder and chief technical officer of Bitwarden, addressed these concerns. He clarified that the SDK and the desktop client are separate programs, each hosted in different repositories. He also reassured that the communication between these two programs, based on standard protocols, does not violate the terms of the GPLv3 license. Spearrin concluded by stating that a bug in the compilation process had been misinterpreted and would be promptly fixed.
Bitwarden’s Future: Still Open Source?
In a statement published on X
, Bitwarden reaffirmed its commitment to the open-source model. However, despite this reassurance, the situation has sparked a debate about the future of the platform. With millions of both professional and personal users, Bitwarden cannot afford to lose the trust of its community.
Which password manager do you use? Are you still using Bitwarden, or have you switched to another since Apple launched Password
on the latest versions of its OS?