Board Approval Request: Reinstate the FIPS_mode() macro
Following the positive outcome of the Distributions community poll on reinstating the FIPS_mode() macro (see community poll outcome thread) and discussion at the TAC, this thread formally requests the OpenSSL Corporation Board to approve reinstatement of the FIPS_mode() macro and authorise its placement on the OpenSSL roadmap.
Proposed semantics (working definition, to be finalised by R&D in coordination with the TAC): when OpenSSL is operating properly, FIPS_mode() indicates that FIPS-approved algorithms are in use in the default context.
Working reference for implementation discussion: openssl/openssl#30339.
The attached proposal-type poll is the consent vote for the Board directors. Once it closes, the Board's resolution will be recorded as the poll outcome.
Approve reinstatement of the FIPS_mode() macro and add to the OpenSSL roadmap
proposal by Dmitry Belyavsky Closed Thu 28 May 2026 8:53AM
Thank you, @Dmitry Belyavsky, for bringing the Distributions community poll outcome forward through the TAC.
The OpenSSL Corporation Board has reviewed the proposal to reinstate the FIPS_mode() macro, together with the supporting input from the Distributions community.
Decision: The Board accepts the proposal and authorises the item to be placed on the OpenSSL Corporation roadmap.
Our thanks to the Distributions community and to the TAC for shepherding this through the consultation process.
— Anton Arapov, on behalf of the OpenSSL Corporation Board
The OpenSSL Corporation Board is asked to consent to the following:
Accept the proposal to reinstate the FIPS_mode() macro, on the basis of the Distributions community poll outcome and TAC review.
Authorise the item to be added to the OpenSSL roadmap for scoping and scheduling.
Delegate finalisation of the exact macro semantics to R&D in coordination with the TAC, taking openssl/openssl#30339 as the working reference.
Threshold: unanimous director consent (no Block, no Disagree).
Results
| Results | Option | Votes | % of votes cast | % of eligible voters | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consent | 2 | 100 | 100 |   | |
| Objection | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Undecided | 0 | 0 |
2 of 2 votes cast (100% participation)
Anton Arapov
Thu 28 May 2026 8:43AM
Agree; clear community signal, sound TAC review.