Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, has launched a website to track websites that have left rival web hosting firm WP Engine. The site lists over 16,700 sites that have moved away from WP Engine since September 21.
The move comes after a feud between Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine. Mullenweg claimed that WP Engine should pay tens of millions of dollars annually to use the “WordPress” trademark because it fails to contribute back to the WordPress project. This led to a series of steps, including blocking WP Engine-hosted websites from connecting to WordPress.org for software updates.
The feud escalated into a federal lawsuit filed by WP Engine against Automattic, alleging attempted extortion, libel, and other claims. However, Automattic defended its actions, stating that the data on its website is publicly available information.
Critics have raised concerns about the tracking site, with some describing it as “doxxing” WP Engine customers. The company has also been accused of violating WordPress’ trademark policy by using the trademarked name “WP Engine” on its own website.
Despite this, Automattic claims that the data on its website shows that WP Engine’s customers have left due to issues with their service, including poor performance and pricing changes.
Source: https://www.theregister.com/2024/11/08