huygens-25

<p>OpenPorte is a community-maintained fork of the ALTCHA Spam Protection<br />
plugin for WordPress (version 1), which provides a free, open source,<br />
self-hostable, privacy-friendly CAPTCHA alternative based on a proof-<br />
of-work mechanism — no cookies, no tracking, GDPR-friendly by design.</p>
<p>For the list of contributors, refer to our GitHub project: <a href="https://github.com/jcberthon/openporte/graphs/contributors?from=1.6.2024" rel="nofollow ugc">Contributors</a>.</p>
<h4>Background</h4>
<p>The original ALTCHA WordPress plugin (v1) was open source (GPLv2). Its<br />
authors have since released a version 2/3 which is no longer open source,<br />
and some features that were free in v1 are now paid. They no longer<br />
maintain v1 and recommend that users migrate to v2/v3. See the official<br />
project at https://altcha.org for their offering.</p>
<p>OpenPorte continues the v1 line as free software (GPLv2 or later) for users<br />
who want to stay on a fully open-source, self-hosted solution. It is a<br />
faithful fork: existing v1 installations can switch to OpenPorte and keep<br />
their settings (see Upgrading).</p>
<h4>Compatibility</h4>
<p>OpenPorte is backward-compatible with ALTCHA v1:</p>
<ul>
<li>Your existing settings are migrated automatically on activation.</li>
<li>The <code>[altcha]</code> shortcode keeps working (alongside the new <code>[openporte]</code>).</li>
<li>The <code>altcha_*</code> filters and actions keep firing as deprecated aliases.</li>
</ul>
<p>See the Deprecations section for the full list of compatibility aliases and<br />
what they map to.</p>
<h3>Upgrading</h3>
<h4>From the original ALTCHA v1 plugin</h4>
<p>Deactivate the old ALTCHA plugin, then install and activate OpenPorte. Your<br />
existing configuration is detected and copied into the OpenPorte settings on<br />
first activation; the original ALTCHA settings are left untouched, so you can<br />
roll back to ALTCHA v1 without losing anything. Do not run both plugins at the<br />
same time.</p>
<h3>Deprecations</h3>
<p>The following ALTCHA-era identifiers are kept as aliases for backward<br />
compatibility and are scheduled for removal in a future release:</p>
<ul>
<li>The <code>[altcha]</code> shortcode — use <code>[openporte]</code>.</li>
<li>The <code>altcha/v1</code> REST namespace — use <code>openporte/v1</code>.</li>
<li>The <code>altcha_*</code> filters and actions — now firing through WordPress’ deprecated<br />
hook mechanism; use the <code>openporte_*</code> equivalents.</li>
<li>The <code>AltchaPlugin</code> class and the <code>ALTCHA_VERSION</code> / <code>ALTCHA_WIDGET_VERSION</code><br />
constants — use <code>OpenPortePlugin</code> and the <code>OPENPORTE_*</code> constants.</li>
<li>Integrations targeting paid-only third-party plugins; affected users should<br />
migrate to the official ALTCHA v2/v3 plugin.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
<h4>No cookies, no tracking</h4>
<p>OpenPorte prioritizes user privacy by avoiding the use of cookies and fingerprinting techniques.</p>
<h4>No external service</h4>
<p>This plugin remains fully contained within your WordPress installation, eliminating any reliance on external services.</p>
<h3>Modes of Operation</h3>
<p>OpenPorte verifies submissions in one of two modes, selected in the settings<br />
(API Mode):</p>
<ul>
<li>Self-hosted (default) — a proof-of-work challenge is issued and verified by<br />
your own WordPress site through the REST API. Fully self-contained, with no<br />
external service and no additional setup beyond enabling the integrations you<br />
need.</li>
<li>Custom — point the Challenge URL at your own ALTCHA-compatible backend (for<br />
example a self-hosted ALTCHA Sentinel). Submissions are verified with your<br />
site’s signing secret.</li>
</ul>
<p>The paid altcha.org regional SaaS classifier offered by earlier versions has<br />
been removed; both remaining modes are free and self-hostable.</p>
<h3>REST API</h3>
<p>This plugin requires the WordPress REST API. If you are using any “Disable REST API” plugins, ensure that the endpoint <code>/altcha/v1/challenge</code> (marked for deprecation) and <code>/openporte/v1/challenge</code> are allowed.</p>
<h3>Supported Integrations</h3>
<ul>
<li>CoBlocks</li>
<li>Contact Form 7</li>
<li>Elementor Pro Forms (deprecated — paid plugin, see Deprecations)</li>
<li>Formidable Forms</li>
<li>Forminator</li>
<li>GravityForms</li>
<li>HTML Forms</li>
<li>WPDiscuz</li>
<li>WPForms</li>
<li>WP-Members</li>
<li>WordPress Login, Register, Password reset</li>
<li>WordPress Comments</li>
<li>WooCommerce</li>
<li>Custom HTML (via the <code>[openporte]</code> shortcode, or the deprecated <code>[altcha]</code> alias)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Source Code</h3>
<p>All source code for the plugin, and the ALTCHA widget is available on GitHub. In the repository, you’ll also find versions of non-minified JavaScript and CSS assets:</p>
<ul>
<li>Plugin: https://github.com/jcberthon/openporte</li>
<li>ALTCHA Widget: https://github.com/altcha-org/altcha</li>
</ul>


OpenPorte Spam Protection

OpenPorte offers a free, open-source Captcha alternative, ensuring robust spam protection while respecting user privacy and GDPR compliance.

Daniel

<p><strong>This is ALTCHA Plugin version 1.</strong></p>
<p><strong>ALTCHA Plugin version 2 is now available, offering improved protection and enhanced reliability. An upgrade is recommended for all users.</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/wordpress" rel="nofollow ugc">Learn more</a> | <a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/wordpress/install" rel="nofollow ugc">Installation guide</a> | <a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/wordpress/migrating-from-v1/" rel="nofollow ugc">Migration guide</a></p>
<p>What’s new in version 2:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Effective</strong>: blocks 99% of spam and abuse attempts</li>
<li><strong>Invisible for users</strong>: frictionless protection, no puzzles or CAPTCHAs</li>
<li><strong>Works everywhere</strong>: plugin-agnostic <a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/wordpress/features/#request-interceptor--works-everywhere" rel="nofollow ugc">Request Interceptor</a> integrates with any form plugin</li>
<li><strong>Handles heavy traffic</strong>: stay online with <a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/wordpress/features/#under-attack-mode--stay-online-under-pressure" rel="nofollow ugc">Under Attack Mode</a></li>
<li><strong>Stops abuse at scale</strong>: firewall and rate limiting included</li>
<li><strong>Privacy-first</strong>: 100% GDPR-compliant and fully accessible</li>
<li><strong>Unlimited</strong>: no external services, unlimited verifications</li>
</ul>
<p>Learn more about ALTCHA at <a href="https://altcha.org" rel="nofollow ugc">altcha.org</a>.</p>
<p><a href="https://altcha.org" rel="nofollow ugc">ALTCHA</a> provides a free, open-source Captcha alternative utilizing a proof-of-work mechanism to safeguard your website against spam and unwanted content. Our anti-spam solution ensures robust spam protection without compromising user privacy.</p>
<p>Unlike other solutions, ALTCHA is free, open-source, and self-hosted. It operates independently without external services, avoids the use of cookies and fingerprinting, refrains from user tracking, and maintains full compliance with GDPR regulations.</p>
<h3>Free Mode</h3>
<p>The free self-hosted mode is enabled by default after installation. No additional setup is required, except enabling the integrations you need in the plugin settings.</p>
<h3>Privacy</h3>
<h4>No cookies, no tracking</h4>
<p>ALTCHA prioritizes user privacy by avoiding the use of cookies and fingerprinting techniques.</p>
<h4>No external service</h4>
<p>Operating in Self-hosted mode (the default setting), this plugin remains fully contained within your WordPress installation, eliminating any reliance on external services. You can opt-in for our SaaS version to utilize the Spam Filter API. For more information visit https://altcha.org.</p>
<h3>Modes of Operation</h3>
<p>This plugin operates in two modes, you can select which mode you want in the settings (see API Region):</p>
<ul>
<li>Self-hosted – free, fully self-contained without external services.</li>
<li>Custom or SaaS API – requires a server such as <a href="https://altcha.org/docs/v2/sentinel/" rel="nofollow ugc">ALTCHA Sentinel</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h3>REST API</h3>
<p>This plugin requires the WordPress REST API. If you are using any “Disable REST API” plugins, ensure that the endpoint <code>/altcha/v1/challenge</code> is allowed.</p>
<h3>Supported Integrations</h3>
<ul>
<li>CoBlocks</li>
<li>Contact Form 7</li>
<li>Elementor Pro Forms</li>
<li>Enfold Theme</li>
<li>Formidable Forms</li>
<li>Forminator</li>
<li>GravityForms</li>
<li>HTML Forms</li>
<li>WPDiscuz</li>
<li>WPForms</li>
<li>WP-Members</li>
<li>WordPress Login, Register, Password reset</li>
<li>WordPress Comments</li>
<li>WooCommerce</li>
<li>Custom HTML (with a short code <code>[altcha]</code>)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Source Code</h3>
<p>All source code for the plugin, and the ALTCHA widget is available on GitHub. In the repository, you’ll also find versions of non-minified JavaScript and CSS assets:</p>
<ul>
<li>Plugin: https://github.com/altcha-org/wordpress-plugin</li>
<li>ALTCHA Widget: https://github.com/altcha-org/altcha</li>
</ul>
<h3>Terms of Service And Privacy Policy for SaaS</h3>
<ul>
<li>Privacy Policy: https://altcha.org/privacy-policy</li>
<li>Terms of Service: https://altcha.org/terms-of-service</li>
</ul>


ALTCHA Spam Protection


ALTCHA is a free, open-source Captcha alternative. It uses a proof-of-work mechanism to protect your website from spam and unwanted content. Unlike other solutions, ALTCHA is self-hosted, avoids cookies and tracking, and is fully GDPR compliant. It also features a powerful spam filter that integrates seamlessly with your WordPress site. With options for self-hosted and external service modes, ALTCHA offers flexibility and robust protection for any WordPress site.


ALTCHA: Free, Open-Source Captcha Alternative with Robust Spam Protection


I've installed ALTCHA on a non-WordPress website a little under a year ago, and it's been protecting that website from spam registrations (these were an issue there!) ever since.



Now I'm using it on a couple WordPress websites as well, and it seems to work just as fine, albeit it's only been a few days.



If you've ever been annoyed by having to repeatedly select busses or fire hydrants, or move parrots around, and you don't want to push that experience onto your visitors,  ALTCHA can be the solution. It's non-intrusive to normal users (the calculation performed only takes a couple seconds), but is a great way to deter spammers, who would rather automatically submit a few hundred forms than spend that same amount of CPU time on a calculation required to only submit that one form on your page.



Oh, and I love that this plugin is open source and no-nonsense. It will never clutter your WordPress UI with calls to upgrade to pro or notifications about Black Friday sales. It adds a single sub-menu item under Settings, and is very civil in all regards. And it also respects your visitor privacy: no data will be transmitted to other servers than yours by default due to having it installed, unless you explicitly configure it to use ALTCHA's cloud API, which adds some extra functionality in addition to filtering out bots.



All that said, it's not a silver bullet of course, and you may want to keep Akismet enabled too as a second line of defence.


Great self-contained spam protection


Altcha v1 was brilliant - did just what I wanted seamlessly.  Sadly when I installed v2 the login blocked for some users (and it was impossible to see why).  I think the increased comms to the central system were to blame, but I'm not sure.  I can't switch back to v1 without having the 'nag' to upgrade constantly visible on the plugin page, and putting the shortcode back into all the forms.  A quick switch to Cloudfare Turnstile and all is working nicely.  Sad, though, because Altcha looked great.


v1 was great; v2 - I had to uninstall

ALTCHA offers a free, open-source Captcha alternative, ensuring robust spam protection while respecting user privacy and GDPR compliance.

OpenPorte Spam Protection vs ALTCHA Spam Protection