Let's Encrypt is actually an implementation of the ACME (Automated Certificate Management Environment) specification, developed by the IETF[1]. The goal is to g

Let's Encrypt is actually an implementation of the ACME (Automated Certificate Management Environment) specification, developed by the IETF[1]. The goal is to get other CAs to adopt the standard as well. In the meantime, other CAs are starting to offer free DV certs (Symantec being the most recent example), although there's no word yet on ACME compatibility.