Mon Sep 09 16:11:04 UTC 2024: ## WordPress Plugin Directory: Seeking Community Feedback on Plugin Installation Practices

The WordPress Plugin Review team is seeking community input on the practice of plugins installing other plugins. While existing guidelines provide some direction, the team wants to clarify the best practices for informing and obtaining user consent in these scenarios.

**The Issue:**

Many plugins in the WordPress.org directory prompt users to install additional plugins, either as a requirement for functionality or as recommendations. This process can be confusing for users, particularly when the plugin installation is not clearly communicated or requires explicit user action.

**The Goal:**

The Plugin Review team wants to ensure that users are fully informed about any plugin installation happening on their website. The primary focus is to enhance user information and consent, empowering users to make informed decisions about installing plugins.

**Proposed Solutions:**

The team is proposing specific suggestions to improve user experience and clarity regarding plugin installations:

* **Prominent Information:** Plugin installation information should be prominently displayed and easy to understand.
* **Opt-in, Not Pre-selected:** Users should be given the option to install plugins, not have the option pre-selected.
* **One-at-a-Time Installation:** Users should be prompted to install plugins individually, with clear actions required.
* **Complete Plugin Information:** Provide users with comprehensive information about the plugin being installed, including a link to its WordPress.org page.
* **Core UX for Plugin Installations:** Utilize the core WordPress interface for plugin installation whenever possible.

**Call to Action:**

The WordPress community is invited to share their feedback on the proposed suggestions and offer any additional insights. The team will use this input to finalize guidelines and provide a clear framework for plugin authors.

This process is crucial to ensuring a better user experience within the WordPress ecosystem. The review team aims to establish clear, actionable guidelines that promote transparency and empower users to maintain control over their websites.

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