Yoast WordPress SEO plugin released an update, but it soon became apparent that something went horribly wrong for some users, causing fatal errors. Affected users had to roll back to a previous version of Yoast.
One user reported receiving a “fatal error” alert from their WordPress installation via email.
Yoast quickly addressed the issue, fixed the problem, and issued an apology for the inconvenience.
### The Yoast Version 18.4 Plugin Update
Yoast 18.4 aimed to introduce a new feature that added content and structured data timestamps for copyright protection using blockchain technology. This feature was connected to a service called WordProof, which provides verifiable timestamps to show site visitors when content was authored and updated.
### Failed WordProof Integration with Yoast
WordProof offers a blockchain certificate for certifying a timestamp and a copyright infringement tool. According to WordProof, their goal is to foster trust by providing proof and transparency:
> “The internet has deep-rooted problems that grow daily: distrust, plagiarism, and fake news. WordProof wants to create a new standard for a more reliable and trustworthy internet, with the help of blockchain technology.”
Unfortunately, the integration of this feature caused Yoast to malfunction seriously for users. At the time of writing, some customers indicated that errors affected Yoast versions 18.4 and 18.4.1. According to Yoast, the free plugin version 18.4.1 and Yoast SEO Premium 18.2.1 are stable versions that no longer include the WordProof feature. WordProof lists that the husband and wife co-founders of Yoast are partners.
### Symptoms of the Bad Yoast SEO Plugin Update
The problematic Yoast WordPress SEO plugin update caused massive disruptions for some customers. Typical issues reported included:
– XML sitemap showing all content types, including private content
– Yoast Search Appearance settings tab being completely blank
– Fatal error messages
– WordPress sending messages about Yoast plugin errors
One user reported receiving an alert email from WordPress that detected a fatal error caused by the Yoast SEO plugin. Documentation of the errors included screenshots and various users detailing their specific issues on the Yoast support page.
### Yoast Assures Latest Version of SEO Plugin is Now Stable
The plugin caused errors for many users, who then posted on the Yoast plugin support page. Yoast issued an apology, stating:
> “Despite extensive testing, some users, unfortunately, experienced issues with Yoast SEO 18.4. As they swiftly reached out to our 24/7 support team, we were able to act quickly and roll back this release. We’re very sorry for any inconvenience you might have experienced.”
Yoast assured that the latest versions (Yoast SEO 18.4.1 and Yoast SEO Premium 18.2.1) are stable and that they would revisit WordProof integration later.
### Yoast SEO Plugin Errors
Yoast is not yet fully compatible with PHP 8+. At least one person reporting an error mentioned using PHP 8.0. When queried, a Yoast support representative said:
> “Unfortunately, we haven’t yet fully tested the plugin with PHP version 8. The entire WordPress community is still working on it.”
Therefore, for that particular user, PHP 8.0 may have compounded the issues. Yoast recommends updating to the latest stable versions of their plugin and suggests checking that your website is not running PHP 8.+. It may also be prudent to stage your site to test if it functions correctly with the latest updates.
### Citation
#### Read Yoast’s Statement About the Ill-Fated Update
Yoast SEO 18.4.1 and Premium 18.2.1 are now available.
