User:Ca/Anonymous edits
< User:Ca
 | This policy- or process-related proposal is in the brainstorming stage. Accordingly, please allow an opportunity for it to evolve based on input provided by users. This tag should be replaced with the {{historical}} or {{proposed}} tag if the proposal goes a lengthy spell without major changes. The latter is appropriate if a specific proposal emerges that appears ready for advertisement and debate followed by adoption or rejection by the community. |
An editor in good standing may request to make an anonymous edit if there is a high risk of prosecution or harassment by third parties. This process involves administrators to proxy for the editor. Interested admins living under safe circumstances may place themselves under Category:Wikipedia administrators willing to consider proxying for anonymous edits.
Procedure
[edit]- An editor in want of anonymization contacts a willing administrator through a secure third-party communication method, and proposes an edit. They must agree to release the edit into the public domain.
- The administrator verifies the identity of the editor. For example, they can ask the editor to insert a specific phrase in their userpage.
- The administrator reviews the proposed edit to ensure it aligns with policy and that there is a good reason to anonymize the edit.
- The administrator makes the edit, with an edit summary referring to this policy and a declaration of release into public domain.
- The administrator may request an oversighter to suppress their username in the edit history.
Safety
[edit]No anonymization method is infallible. A dedicated actor can subpoena the Wikimedia Foundation and target the proxying administrator. The ISP could be subponead for relevant IP addresses. The communication method used may be compromised. A democratic country can fall to authoritarianism. Participants must note participation in this process risks their personal safety.