Trust, Security
& Ethics
Our commitment to transparency, user safety, and responsible software development.
Legal Usage
Policy
Arduino IDE is free and open-source software. You are permitted to download, install, use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the software, subject to the terms of the applicable open-source licenses included with the source code.
The software is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to the warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and noninfringement. In no event shall the authors or copyright holders be liable for any claim, damages, or other liability, whether in an action of contract, tort, or otherwise, arising from, out of, or in connection with the software or the use or other dealings in the software.
This website, Arduino-ide.net, is an independent resource and is not affiliated with Arduino SA. The Arduino name and logo are trademarks of Arduino SA and are used here for descriptive purposes only. We do not claim ownership of any Arduino trademarks.
Ethical Usage
Statement
Arduino IDE is a tool for learning, creating, and innovation. We encourage users to apply this software in ways that contribute positively to society, education, and technological progress. The Arduino community thrives on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect.
We strongly discourage the use of Arduino IDE for any illegal, harmful, or malicious purposes. This includes but is not limited to: developing devices intended to cause physical harm, creating unauthorized surveillance systems, building weapons or explosive triggers, or violating privacy laws and regulations.
By using Arduino IDE, you agree to act responsibly and in accordance with all applicable local, national, and international laws. The open-source community depends on ethical behavior to maintain trust and continue providing free tools for everyone.
Open-Source Transparency
We believe transparency is the foundation of trust.
Public Source Code
Every line of Arduino IDE source code is publicly available. Anyone can audit the code, verify there are no backdoors, and understand exactly what the software does.
Community Governance
Development is guided by a global community of contributors. Decisions are made openly, and improvements come from diverse perspectives across the world.
No Hidden Code
There are no proprietary blobs or hidden modules in the core IDE. What you see in the repository is exactly what gets compiled into the binary you run.
Continuous Improvement
Security patches and bug fixes are released regularly. The open model allows vulnerabilities to be identified and resolved quickly by the global developer community.
No Malware
Clarification
Arduino IDE contains absolutely no malware, viruses, spyware, ransomware, adware, or trojans. The software has been used by millions of users worldwide for over a decade, and its source code is continuously reviewed by security-conscious developers.
If your antivirus software flags Arduino IDE, this is a false positive. Development environments often trigger heuristic scans because they interact with system-level hardware interfaces, USB ports, and compile executable code. These are normal behaviors for an IDE and do not indicate a threat.
To ensure you are downloading a legitimate copy, always verify the digital signature and SHA-256 checksum of the installer. If you have any concerns, you are welcome to build the IDE from source code yourself, following the documented build instructions.
User Responsibility
Disclaimer
Arduino IDE is provided as a general-purpose development tool. The authors, contributors, and distributors of this software are not responsible for how individual users choose to apply it. You are solely responsible for ensuring that your use of Arduino IDE complies with all applicable laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.
This includes but is not limited to: laws regarding electronic devices, radio frequency emissions, data privacy, intellectual property, export controls, and safety standards. If you are unsure whether a particular project is legal or safe, consult qualified legal and technical professionals before proceeding.
By downloading and using Arduino IDE, you acknowledge that you understand these responsibilities and agree to use the software in an ethical, legal, and safe manner. The open-source community depends on responsible users to maintain the integrity and reputation of the platform.
Questions About
Security?
Visit our FAQ page for more answers about licensing, privacy, and safe usage.
Read the FAQ