Embodiments of the present invention relate to runtime instantiation of broadcast encryption schemes. In one embodiment, a method of and computer program product for runtime instantiation of broadcast encryption schemes is provided. A broadcast encryption definition is read. The broadcast encryption definition defines a broadcast encryption scheme and includes a plurality of function definitions. Based on the plurality of function definitions, it is determined whether the broadcast encryption definition defines encrypting or decrypting content. Based on the plurality of function definitions a type of the broadcast encryption scheme is determined.