A dramatic escalation in the ongoing feud between WordPress.org and web hosting giant WP Engine has left many WordPress users in a precarious position. WordPress.org, the free open-source content management system (CMS) powering nearly 40% of websites globally, has blocked WP Engine from accessing its resources, including crucial security updates and plugin/theme repositories.
The dispute began with WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg publicly criticizing WP Engine, accusing them of hindering the WordPress ecosystem despite generating nearly half a billion dollars annually. This sparked a legal battle, with both parties exchanging cease-and-desist letters claiming trademark infringement.
However, the latest move by WordPress.org directly impacts WP Engine’s customers. While WP Engine assures users their websites remain functional, the inability to update plugins and themes leaves them susceptible to security vulnerabilities.
This has caused concern among WordPress developers and advocates, highlighting the potential risk to website safety. WP Engine, meanwhile, is working on a solution to address this block.
