WordPress 4.9.6 Released With User Data Export and Removal Tools

WordPress 4.9.6 has been released and is considered a privacy and maintenance release. Traditionally, minor versions contain security and bug fixes. This release is different as it includes a number of privacy related features such as:

Privacy Policy page template/creation

User Data Request Handling

User Data Export and Removal tools

Cookie Opt-in for Comments

Other features related to GDPR Compliance

Earlier this month, I reviewed the privacy features in 4.9.6 and since that post was published, the team has made a number of adjustments. For example, site admins will receive an email when a user confirms a personal data export or removal request and the text on the privacy policy template page has been simplified.

The privacy features in WordPress 4.9.6 are largely the result of a new team of volunteers that was formed earlier this year. The team is already hard at work on improving these features for future versions of WordPress.

In addition to privacy enhancements, more than 50 bugs have been fixed. ‘Mine’ has been added as a filter in the WordPress Media Library and when viewing a plugin in the backend, it will display the minimum PHP version that’s required.

The WordPress Development team has published an update guide that provides links to technical information related to features in 4.9.6. In addition, there’s a guide available for Theme Authors as styling adjustments may be necessary.

As this is a minor release, sites are in the process of updating automatically. If you encounter an issue with 4.9.6, please report it on the Support Forums.