In a significant development within the WordPress community, Mathieu Viet, the lead developer of BuddyPress, has announced his departure from the ecosystem. Viet’s decision stems from concerns over recent actions by WordPress leadership, particularly regarding the restriction of WordPress.org API services for users associated with specific hosting companies.
Viet expressed his disapproval of these measures, stating that they conflict with fundamental web and business ethics. He emphasized that such actions have transformed community volunteers into “unwitting accomplices” in practices he finds objectionable. As a result, Viet has not only ceased his contributions to WordPress and BuddyPress but has also decided to migrate his personal website away from the WordPress platform.
This move has ignited extensive discussions within the WordPress community. Many members share Viet’s concerns, particularly regarding the ethical implications of recent decisions by WordPress leadership. The release of the “Secure Custom Fields” plugin, which replicates features of a premium plugin from a competing company, has been a focal point of controversy.
Viet’s departure is part of a broader trend, with several prominent contributors, including Bjørn Johansen, Carrie Dils, Andy Fragen, and Chris Wiegman, also stepping back from the WordPress project. These developments have prompted the community to reflect on the current direction of WordPress and the importance of maintaining its foundational values of openness and collaboration.
As the WordPress ecosystem continues to evolve, these events underscore the need for transparent dialogue and a recommitment to the principles that have long guided the community.
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