Meta transfers React framework to Linux Foundation
Meta is handing over control of the popular React JavaScript framework to a new React Foundation, which will operate under the Linux Foundation. This move aims to make development more independent from any single company. Founding members include major tech firms like Amazon and Microsoft.
React, originally developed by Facebook in 2013, has become the dominant front-end framework for web development. According to the State of JavaScript survey, more than 80 percent of developers now use it. React Native has similarly boosted cross-platform app development, with notable adoption at companies like Microsoft.
To address concerns about corporate influence, Meta is transferring React, React Native, and JSX to the newly formed React Foundation. This organization will join the Linux Foundation and handle key infrastructure, including GitHub repositories, continuous integration systems, and trademarks. The foundation will also organize the React Conf conference and offer financial support through grants and development programs to ecosystem projects.
Seth Webster, currently head of React at Meta, will serve as the foundation's first executive director. A board of directors will oversee resource allocation and maintain vendor neutrality. Founding members comprise Amazon, Callstack, Expo, Meta, Microsoft, Software Mansion, and Vercel—companies that have significantly contributed to the React ecosystem. Meta plans to expand membership to build a broader community.
Separately, Meta is establishing a new technical governance structure, independent of the foundation, to guide the project's direction. This will be developed in consultation with the open-source community to prevent any single entity from dominating. The initiative responds to criticisms within the React community, particularly regarding the influence of firms like Vercel, which maintains the Next.js framework. A large part of the React Core team consists of employees from Meta and Vercel, sparking worries about conflicts of interest. By anchoring governance in the Linux Foundation, Meta seeks to ensure React remains an open and independent project.