Matt Mullenweg Sparks Controversy with WordPress.org’s Takeover of Advanced Custom Fields Plugin

Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress and CEO of Automattic, has ignited a significant controversy within the WordPress community by taking control of the popular Advanced Custom Fields (ACF) plugin. This move involves replacing the original ACF plugin with a new version called “Secure Custom Fields” to address what Mullenweg described as commercial upsells and a security issue.

The decision has been met with widespread criticism and concern among WordPress developers and users, particularly those who rely heavily on the ACF plugin for their websites. The ACF plugin is widely used in commercial sites and is often provided by agencies as a core tool for customizations. This takeover has raised questions about the stability and reliability of WordPress, as it involves Automattic seizing the upgrade path and swapping the new version in place, a move that only Automattic can execute due to its control over the WordPress.org portal.

The feud between Automattic and WP Engine, a hosting service that many WordPress users rely on, has escalated with this move. Many developers are now considering the long-term implications and potential risks of continuing to use WP Engine’s services or the ACF plugin. Some have suggested that this could lead to a fork of the WordPress core, as trust in Automattic’s actions has been eroded.

Mullenweg’s actions have been characterized by some as a personal vendetta against WP Engine, further complicating the situation. The community is divided, with some arguing that the move was necessary for security reasons, while others see it as a breach of trust and an overreach of power.

This incident highlights the complex and sometimes contentious nature of open-source software development, where the lines between community interests and commercial interests can become blurred. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this will impact the broader WordPress ecosystem and the trust of its user base.