WordPress.org Bans WP Engine Hosting Provider Blocked from Themes, Plugins Access

The WordPress community is facing a new conflict as WordPress.org has officially banned popular hosting provider WP Engine from accessing its platform resources. In a blog post, Matt Mullenweg, co-creator of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, announced that WP Engine would no longer have access to themes, plugins, and other critical resources due to pending legal claims.

Mullenweg stated that WP Engine is creating a “hacked-up” version of WordPress, aiming to control the WordPress experience on its own terms. As a result of this ban, WP Engine users are currently unable to install or update plugins and themes from WordPress.org, raising concerns about the security and functionality of affected websites.

WordPress developers voiced concerns, noting that the ban leaves WP Engine customers vulnerable to security threats as they cannot access vital updates. WP Engine acknowledged the issue and is reportedly working on a solution.�

In response, WP Engine criticized Mullenweg’s actions, accusing him of misusing his control of WordPress.org, which they say negatively impacts plugin developers, open-source users, and WP Engine’s own customers.