An Overview of WordPress.org’s Ambitious Plan for 2024: Data Liberation
WordPress.org, the popular content management system, has announced an ambitious plan for 2024 called Data Liberation. The initiative aims to create a more open web where users can freely switch between platforms without being locked into a system. Matt Mullenweg, the co-founder of WordPress, described Data Liberation as the thing he’s most excited about during his State of the Word 2023 keynote.
The goal of Data Liberation is to provide migration tools that make it seamless and straightforward for users to switch platforms. WordPress.org plans to make first-party community plugins, tools, and workflows available on its official platforms. Mullenweg envisions a web where migrating to or from WordPress can be done in just one click, using WordPress’ export format as the universal standard for content management systems.
However, there is still a lot of work to be done. The guides on the Data Liberation website are mostly outlines, waiting for contributors to materialize the team’s good intentions. The importing tools currently offered on WordPress.org are limited, with support for platforms like Blogger, LiveJournal, and Movable Type. More contemporary platforms like Medium, Squarespace, Substack, and Wix are supported for websites hosted on WordPress.com.
To make the Data Liberation initiative a reality, WordPress.org is calling for collaboration from hosting companies and plugin developers. The project leader, Jordan Gillman, emphasized the need for coordination and buy-in from stakeholders to define the path forward. The project is still in its early stages, but the response from the community has been positive.
In addition to migration tools, WordPress.org aims to unify plugins, guides, and tools in an interface that simplifies the migration process for users. The goal is to provide a seamless experience where users don’t have to search for the right tool but can be directed to the appropriate solution. Feedback and input from web hosts and other industry players are also crucial to the success of the project.
Data Liberation is not just a technical vision; it is an ethical commitment for WordPress.org. The initiative aligns with the idea of owning one’s content and data online, securing an open web for the future. By encouraging all content management systems to provide proper exports, WordPress.org aims to foster a healthy ecosystem that values users’ freedom and privacy.
While there are technical challenges to overcome, such as media support and mapping custom schemas, the software development community is well-equipped to find solutions. However, there is a knowledge gap when it comes to newer platforms like headless CMSs and trendy site builders. Collaborative efforts and a wide-reaching approach are crucial to addressing these challenges.
Overall, the Data Liberation initiative by WordPress.org is a bold and inspiring move towards a more open and user-centric web. It challenges the dominance of proprietary systems and emphasizes the importance of user freedom and data ownership. With the support and collaboration of the community, WordPress.org has the potential to lead the way in creating a more open and accessible digital landscape.
Thank you for choosing WordPress. Let’s work together to liberate our data and create a web that truly belongs to its users.
