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WordPress 6.2 is slated for release on March 28. Among its most impactful new features will be the integration of the Openverse media search. This will allow users to add images, audio, and video that are available via a Creative Commons license.

While Openverse integration adds a layer of convenience, there was some debate about how the feature initially worked. As Sarah Gooding of WP Tavern reports, the first iteration (released in version 15.1 of the Gutenberg plugin) simply hotlinked to images, rather than uploading files to the user’s website by default.

Users had the option to upload the image via the WordPress Media Library. However, the default hotlinking behavior meant that some users would inevitably leave things as they are. This could run afoul of privacy regulations like GDPR in the European Union.

Meanwhile, WordPress core contributor Jeremy Herve created a ticket that called attention to the potential issue. Others have since raised questions regarding usage rights - including the right to crop or otherwise modify media.

The debate has led to a change in plans. WordPress contributors reacted swiftly and now the feature will upload Openverse images by default. A fallback has also been implemented that warns users when an image couldn’t be uploaded. Check out WP Tavern’s follow up for more details on how things evolved.

Links You Shouldn’t Miss

There are more acquisitions to report in the WordPress space. First, Caseproof, makers of the MemberPress plugin, have acquired rival MemberMouse. In the announcement, MemberPress Creator and CEO Blair Williams says both products have different audiences and thus will remain separate offerings.

Next up, Syed Balkhi announced that tutorial service WP101 has been acquired by Awesome Motive. Balkhi notes that the acquisition furthers his goal of creating the “best class-room style WordPress training videos to help WordPress grow in enterprise, government agencies, as well as at the school and collegiate level.”

The democratization of publishing is a stated goal of WordPress. To see proof of it in action, look no further than the Prison Journalism Project. Sarah Gooding profiled the organization and its use of WordPress to help incarcerated writers to connect with the outside world.

From the Grab Bag

Now it’s time to take a look at some other interesting topics shared by our contributors.

• The popular All in One SEO plugin recently patched two security vulnerabilities. It’s recommended that users upgrade to the latest version as soon as possible. Security firm Wordfence provided further detail on their blog.
• Back in July 2022, we reported that WordPress blog WPLift was sold to an undisclosed buyer. It’s been revealed to The WP Minute that Boston-based agency UnlimitedWP is the new owner.
• A new proposal aims to display more topic-based meetups in the WordPress News & Events dashboard widget.
• Take in the sights of the recent WordCamp Asia with BobWP’s recap of the event.
• With so many recent changes to WordPress content creation and theming, web designers need to adjust. Justin Tadlock explored the topic on the WordPress Developer Blog.
• Speaking of themes, developer Anders Norén announced that his collection of free block themes are now compatible with features added in WordPress 6.1.
• If you’re looking for some inspirational stories, People of WordPress has you covered. Recent profiles Hauwa Abashiya and Daniel Kossmann are worth a read.

Thanks to all of the members who shared these links today: 

• Jeff Chandler
• Amber Hinds
• Abha Thakor