WordPress.org has taken drastic action by blocking WP Engine servers from accessing essential updates, throwing thousands of websites into uncertainty. The move, announced late Wednesday, escalates an already tense standoff between WordPress and the major hosting provider.
The conflict arose after WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg accused WP Engine of profiting from the open-source platform without making a financial contribution. He has long pushed for WP Engine to pay a trademark license fee, arguing that the hosting giant benefits disproportionately from WordPress’s vast ecosystem of plugins and themes. WP Engine has refused to comply, setting the stage for a direct confrontation.
By blocking WP Engine’s servers, WordPress.org has effectively cut off users from crucial plugin and theme updates. This could leave many websites vulnerable to security risks, as updates often include patches for critical vulnerabilities. The move has sent shockwaves through the WordPress community, where many rely heavily on plugins to enhance their websites’ functionality.
“This is a serious escalation. Many WP Engine users now can’t update plugins with potential security issues,” said a user in an ongoing Reddit discussion. The potential fallout could be significant, with some users already discussing forking WordPress to escape the feud.
Their servers can no longer access our servers for free!
In a blog post announcing the decision, Mullenweg didn’t mince words, accusing WP Engine of wanting to “control” the WordPress experience without contributing to its development. “Their servers can no longer access our servers for free,” he stated bluntly.
The ban follows mutual cease-and-desist letters between the two companies. WP Engine has acknowledged the denial of service in its incident log, informing users they can no longer update or install plugins through WP Admin.
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WP Engine has yet to respond publicly, but Mullenweg has directed frustrated users to contact WP Engine support if their websites are affected.
This unprecedented move could leave a lasting mark on the future of WordPress hosting. Some are already questioning if this battle will split the community and drive users toward alternatives. For now, the WordPress community waits anxiously to see what happens next.
