Just before the long Whitsun weekend, we have the latest WordPress news for you: The update to WordPress 4.9.6 integrates helpful data protection tools into WP core, the plugin collective clarifies the GDPR compliance of Antispam Bee and an online conference on JavaScript for WordPress will take place in June. We'll also show you how the most popular GDPR plugins can help you make your WP site GDPR-ready in good time.
Comparison of the 5 most popular GDPR plugins
In just eight days, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will become applicable in all EU member states. This means for WP agencies and freelancers as well as website and store operators: Anyone who has not implemented the guidelines and requirements of the GDPR by May 25 risks warnings and fines. But that's no reason to fall into a state of shock! After all, there is now a selection of GDPR plugins available to help you make your WordPress site legally compliant. We'll introduce you to the five most popular GDPR plugins and show you how to use them.
WordPress
Free "JavaScript for WordPress" conference
A free online conference on "JavaScript for WordPress" will take place on June 29. The conference is being organized by Zac Gordon from the learning platform "Learn JavaScript Deeply". Of the 14 speakers confirmed so far, many are familiar faces from the WordPress community. The topics range from design, security, data modeling and JS hooks to Gutenberg and AMP.
Antispam Bee absolutely GDPR-compliant
Simon Kraft from KrautPress clears up false assumptions about the Antispam Bee plugin that have been made in the context of the discussion about the GDPR compliance of WP plugins. Antispam Bee is one of the plugins maintained by the so-called plugin collective - to which Simon Kraft also belongs. He therefore explains how the functionality of the plugin should be evaluated against the background of the GDPR.
WordPress 4.9.6 brings GDPR tools
WordPress 4.9.6 will be available for you from today. The update brings new tools and privacy settings to WP core to help you implement certain GDPR requirements more easily. These include, for example, the option to export and delete personal data, anonymize comments and help with creating your privacy page.
Security
Data breaches can be expensive for store operators
When it comes to data leaks, it is easy to think of well-known cases involving large companies that have been widely publicized in the media. However, a study by Trustwave shows that the vast majority of data breaches affect smaller retailers. The average damage caused by such a breach amounts to over 36,000 US dollars, even for small stores. The security experts Sucuri explain what makes up this high sum.
Web design
Let the code reviewers do their job!
In his article,Tom McFarlin from Pressware calls on all WordPress developers not to always explain and correct their code without asking. According to McFarlin, as a developer you should commit your code without comment and wait for the code reviewer's feedback: "Whatever the case, commit your code and step back and let the process of review do its thing".
Why you should love shortcodes as a WP developer
"Shortcodes are an awful experience for users. But for developers, they're among the easiest and most useful testing tools in WordPress". At least that's what Fred Meyer from WPShout says. In his article, Meyer explains when shortcodes are particularly useful and how best to use them. He also reveals why not even the new Gutenberg editor will stop him from using shortcodes.
