WordPress has officially released version 6.8, marking its first major update of the year. This release focuses on refining existing features, enhancing performance, and bolstering security, rather than introducing a multitude of new functionalities. Key Highlights of WordPress 6.8 Performance Enhancements WordPress 6.8 introduces speculative loading using the Speculation Rules API. This feature anticipates user navigation by preloading pages, resulting in faster load times. Currently, this is supported in Chromium-based browsers like Chrome and Edge. Security Improvements The update replaces the older phpass password hashing algorithm with bcrypt, offering enhanced protection against brute-force attacks. Existing passwords will be rehashed with bcrypt upon the user’s next login or password change. Editor…

The ongoing dispute between WordPress.org and WP Engine has stirred significant controversy within the open-source and WordPress communities. At its core, the disagreement highlights challenges around trademarks, plugin distribution, and the ethical boundaries of open-source governance. The Core of the Conflict The dispute escalated when WordPress.org restricted access to certain resources for WP Engine users, including key plugins like Advanced Custom Fields (ACF). WordPress.org cited security concerns as a primary justification for this move. However, WP Engine viewed these actions as an aggressive overreach and responded by creating its own plugin delivery infrastructure. Legal actions followed, with accusations of trademark misuse and governance overreach being exchanged between the parties. Critics…