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OAuth 2.1

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Definition

OAuth 2.1 is a specification effort that consolidates safer OAuth 2.0 practices, removes deprecated flows, and centers Authorization Code with PKCE.

Background

The IETF OAuth Working Group draft integrates lessons from OAuth 2.0, OAuth Security Best Current Practice, and PKCE.

Position

It is background for authorization when MCP clients, servers, and external APIs need delegated access.

Distinctions

  • OAuth is about authorization; OIDC adds an identity layer on top of OAuth 2.0.
  • OAuth 2.1 is not a wholly separate invention from OAuth 2.0; it consolidates current best practices.
External Reference OAuth 2.1 draft, IETF Datatracker Standard

Primary source-backed reference selected for this concept.

A concept map for OAuth 2.1.

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