WordPress FAIR Project: Security & Control
- A new initiative, teh FAIR Package Manager, seeks to address security vulnerabilities within WordPress, the popular content management system powering over 40% of websites.
- The FAIR Package manager allows hosting companies and large organizations to operate their own mirrors of WordPress core updates, plugins, themes, and translation servers.
- the project emerged following controversial actions by Mullenweg, including restricting WP Engine's access to WordPress.org.
The FAIR Package Manager is poised to revolutionize WordPress security by decentralizing updates and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities—a core takeaway for anyone invested in their website’s safety. This initiative, backed by the Linux Foundation and key WordPress contributors, offers an option to the current reliance on WordPress.org, perhaps enhancing security, lowering costs, and unlocking new opportunities.News directory 3 brings you the latest on how the FAIR Package Manager aims to foster innovation around plugins while mitigating risks. Wiht over 100 contributors already involved, the project seeks to provide a more stable and neutral surroundings. Discover how this new approach could reshape the WordPress ecosystem and what it means for your site’s future.
FAIR Package Manager Aims to Bolster WordPress Security
Updated June 07, 2025
A new initiative, teh FAIR Package Manager, seeks to address security vulnerabilities within WordPress, the popular content management system powering over 40% of websites. Backed by prominent WordPress contributors and the Linux Foundation, the project aims to create a federated network for distributing WordPress updates and plugins.
The FAIR Package manager allows hosting companies and large organizations to operate their own mirrors of WordPress core updates, plugins, themes, and translation servers. This would reduce reliance on WordPress.org, which is controlled by Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg. Supporters argue this system will enhance security,lower costs,and unlock new commercial opportunities within the wordpress ecosystem,improving WordPress security.
the project emerged following controversial actions by Mullenweg, including restricting WP Engine’s access to WordPress.org. Karim Marucchi, CEO of Crowd Favorite, noted that large corporations raised supply chain security concerns after Automattic took over WP Engine’s product slug. Joost de Valk, founder of Yoast SEO, also expressed disagreement with Mullenweg’s approach to contributions.
A key concern is the dependence of every WordPress site on WordPress.org for updates and extensions.De Valk emphasized the lack of control over the WordPress ecosystem, highlighting that WordPress.org is privately owned by Mullenweg, not the WordPress Foundation.
Mary Hubbard, WordPress executive director, stated that users have always had control over update sources. The FAIR system offers a compatible option, independent of WordPress.org. According to Marucchi, over 100 contributors from more than 10 organizations have contributed to FAIR over the past six months. The Linux Foundation is providing neutral oversight.
Mike Dolan, SVP at the Linux Foundation, emphasized wordpress’s critical role in communication and content management.He stated that a reliable backend is necessary to sustain it. The Linux Foundation has established a technical steering committee, co-chaired by carrie Dils, Mika Epstein, and Ryan McCue, to avoid centralization. McCue called FAIR “a platform to power the next decades of WordPress.”
Jory Burson, VP of standards at the Linux Foundation, hopes the project will revitalize the WordPress community. the FAIR Package Manager is not intended as a competing fork but rather as a contribution to the entire WordPress ecosystem.
De Valk said the network could allow developers to ship both free and premium versions of plugins in a single signed package, which is currently prohibited. This could foster innovation and improve user experiences.
Hubbard cautioned that fragmenting WordPress’s core infrastructure could disrupt updates,increase server loads,and break plugin telemetry. She said that improvements like signed updates or better fallback systems are welcome, but they must be implemented with long-term care.
The FAIR repository is live on GitHub and accepting contributions. The project team plans to move forward nonetheless of Automattic’s participation, aiming to provide stability and neutrality to the WordPress community.
What’s next
The FAIR Package Manager project will continue development, seeking wider adoption and contributions from the wordpress community. The Linux Foundation will provide ongoing oversight, ensuring neutrality and stability as the project evolves.