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The escalating dispute between WordPress and WP Engine has taken a significant turn, with WordPress officially barring the web hosting provider from accessing its platform. This move could affect thousands of websites hosted by WP Engine, particularly those dependent on WordPress plugins for critical updates and security measures.
WordPress co-founder and CEO, Matt Mullenweg, accused WP Engine of breaking customer sites in a retaliatory move, calling it a “haphazard attempt” to disrupt following days of disputes between the two companies. In a blog post, Mullenweg stated, “WP Engine no longer has free access to WordPress.org’s resources.” He further encouraged WP Engine customers to contact the hosting provider for support, indicating the ban’s immediate impact on website functionality.
The situation escalates concerns for WP Engine users who utilize WordPress plugins, as the inability to access updates might expose them to security vulnerabilities. Hackers often target insecure WordPress plugins, making sites susceptible to unauthorized access or harmful software installation. The risk posed by outdated plugins could leave numerous websites vulnerable to attacks.
The dispute appears to have begun during Mullenweg’s remarks at the WordCamp U.S. Summit, where he described WP Engine as a “cancer to WordPress,” criticizing the company for taking advantage of the open-source project without contributing back. This led to WP Engine issuing a cease and desist letter to WordPress’s parent company, Automattic. WP Engine claimed that Mullenweg’s statements were part of a broader plan to force the company into licensing the WordPress trademark for millions of dollars.
In response, Mullenweg raised the question of why WordPress should continue offering its services for free to WP Engine, given the latter’s legal action. He went on to criticize WP Engine for allegedly profiting from WordPress’s GPL code without contributing to the open-source community, urging the company to offer its own alternative WordPress experience to customers.