> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://itsfoss.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# NordVPN's Linux App is Now Totally Open Source
- URL: https://itsfoss.com/news/nordvpn-linux-open-source/
- Published: 2023-03-16T09:51:16.000Z
- Updated: 2023-03-16T09:51:16.000Z
- Description: One of the most popular VPN services, NordVPN, open-sourced its Linux client. Sounds great!
- Author: Sourav Rudra
- Tags: Privacy 🛡️, News, #Import 2025-11-08 21:15

[NordVPN](https://nordvpn.com/?ref=itsfoss.com) probably needs no introduction 🔒

It is a popular cross-platform VPN service known for its features and competitive pricing.

With a recent announcement, they **open-sourced three of their products** alongside the launch of their free '**Meshnet**' feature.

Let's see what's in store for us.

![nordvpnlinux](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/2023/03/nordvpn-linux.jpg)

Image Credits: NordVPN

**What is happening?:** They have open-sourced the code for their NordVPN application on Linux, a networking library called **'Libtelio'**, and a file-sharing library called **'Libdrop'**.

The long answer follows:

The Linux NordVPN application has been open-sourced with hopes that the **vast Linux community can help** improve its functionality or maybe even create their own version after experimentation.

That's why even the '[Libtelio](https://github.com/NordSecurity/libtelio?ref=itsfoss.com)' library has been made open-source. Seeing that, it is the backbone of all their NordVPN applications.

If you are curious, the '[Libdrop](https://github.com/NordSecurity/libdrop?ref=itsfoss.com)' library makes file-sharing possible on their **'Meshnet'** feature, which has also been made open-source.

**Why now?:** The open sourcing of these products was made to coincide with the [free release](https://nordvpn.com/blog/why-is-meshnet-free/?ref=itsfoss.com) of their '**Meshnet**' feature and also as a sign of them committing to 'transparency and accountability'.

**So, what is this 'Meshnet' I keep talking about?**

Well, Meshnet is a type of virtual network that allows for multiple devices to be connected directly, even if they are located in different parts of the world.

It can **create secure tunnels** between the devices on the network, facilitating remote work, gaming, file sharing, and more.

It is essentially like **creating your own private VPN server**. 

This feature has been available in NordVPN for a while, but now the **paywall has been removed** and everyone can access it.

On this, NordVPN mentions:

> We believe that everyone should be able to access the security and convenience of a VPN. However, not everyone is ready to invest in a premium service like NordVPN. That’s why we’ve introduced Meshnet as a free feature.

I think Nord has taken a step in the right direction that will further help promote the adoption of open-source in the mainstream.

Check out their [GitHub repo](https://github.com/NordSecurity?ref=itsfoss.com) and the original [announcement post](https://nordvpn.com/blog/nordvpn-linux-open-source/?ref=itsfoss.com) to learn more.

**Suggested Read** 📖

[12 Simple Tools to Protect Your PrivacyQuick ways to enhance online privacy? Use these simple tools to take control of your data easily.![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/size/w256h256/2022/12/android-chrome-192x192.png)It's FOSSAnkush Das![](https://itsfoss.com/content/images/wordpress/2022/02/privacy-tools-ft.jpg)](https://itsfoss.com/privacy-tools/)