Which of the following best describes an Open-Source License?

An Open-Source License is characterized by its permission for users to access, use, modify, and distribute the source code of software. This freedom is fundamental to the open-source movement, which encourages collaboration and innovation within the software development community. When a software project is released under an open-source license, it allows anyone to contribute to the project, adapt it to their needs, or learn from it.

This contrasts sharply with the other options. For instance, a license that restricts source code modification would not fit within the open-source framework, as open-source licenses inherently allow modifications. Additionally, while some open-source projects may prioritize user privacy, the essence of an open-source license does not guarantee complete privacy protection; it primarily focuses on code accessibility. Finally, licenses that pertain solely to proprietary software do not align with the principles of open-source licensing, which emphasizes openness and accessibility as core values.