CheckUser policy

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  1. CheckUser Policy

This article explains the CheckUser policy, a vital tool for maintaining the integrity of this wiki and combating disruptive activity. It is intended for all users, but particularly for those new to the concept and its implications. Understanding this policy is crucial for fostering a safe and collaborative editing environment.

    1. What is CheckUser?

CheckUser (CU) is a set of tools available to designated users on Wikimedia wikis, allowing them to analyze technical details of user accounts to determine if they are connected. These details primarily include the IP address used to create and edit, and User-Agent strings (which identify the browser and operating system). Crucially, CheckUser *does not* reveal the identity of real-world individuals; it only identifies relationships *between accounts* on the wiki. It's about detecting sockpuppetry, meatpuppetry, and other forms of abuse, not about unmasking anonymous editors.

It is important to differentiate CheckUser from other investigative tools like SPI (Sockpuppet Investigation). CheckUser provides the *data* which SPI then *analyzes* to draw conclusions. CheckUser operators are essentially data providers to the SPI process.

    1. Why Do We Need CheckUser?

Wikis rely on the principle of good faith – the assumption that editors are contributing constructively. However, some users attempt to circumvent the rules and disrupt the collaborative process. Common reasons for using CheckUser include:

  • **Sockpuppetry:** Creating multiple accounts to evade blocks, manipulate discussions, or give a false impression of consensus. This is a direct violation of the Wikimedia Foundation's Terms of Use.
  • **Meatpuppetry:** Coordinating multiple accounts (often belonging to different people) to give the appearance of widespread support for a particular viewpoint.
  • **Ban Evasion:** Creating new accounts after being blocked to continue disruptive behavior. This undermines the effectiveness of community sanctions.
  • **Disruptive Editing:** Identifying coordinated efforts to vandalize, harass, or otherwise damage the wiki.
  • **Abuse of Privileges:** Detecting misuse of administrative tools or other special permissions through coordinated actions.

Without CheckUser, it would be significantly more difficult to identify and address these issues, allowing disruptive users to continue their activities unchecked. This can damage the quality of the encyclopedia and discourage legitimate contributors.

    1. Who Can Use CheckUser?

Access to CheckUser tools is *strictly* limited to trusted users who have demonstrated a strong understanding of wiki policies and a commitment to responsible use. These users, known as CheckUser agents, are nominated and elected by the community through a rigorous process. The process typically involves demonstrating:

  • **Long-term editing history:** A significant contribution history on the wiki.
  • **Understanding of policies:** Demonstrated knowledge of the wiki’s policies, including Conflict of Interest, Neutral Point of View, and Civility.
  • **Discretion and impartiality:** A reputation for fairness and the ability to handle sensitive information responsibly.
  • **Technical understanding:** A grasp of the technical aspects of CheckUser data and its limitations.

The number of CheckUser agents is deliberately limited to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of the tools. A list of current CheckUser agents can be found at Special:ListUsers/checkuser.

    1. What Information Does CheckUser Provide?

CheckUser provides the following information:

  • **IP Address:** The IP address used to create the account and make edits. This is a numerical label assigned to devices connected to the internet. However, IP addresses can be shared (e.g., by users on a home network, or by users accessing the wiki through a proxy server), making it difficult to definitively link an IP address to a specific individual. See IP address for more details.
  • **User Agent:** A string of text that identifies the user’s browser and operating system. This can provide clues about the user’s setup, but it can also be easily spoofed (changed to appear as something else).
  • **Account Creation Timestamp:** The date and time the account was created.
  • **Editing Patterns:** CheckUser can identify accounts that exhibit similar editing patterns, such as making edits at the same time or focusing on the same articles.
  • **Shared Hosting:** Indicates if multiple accounts are originating from the same IP address range, suggesting a shared hosting environment or a common network.
  • **Email Confirmation Status:** Whether the account has a confirmed email address. While not definitive, it can be a factor in assessing account legitimacy.
    • Important Limitations:**
  • CheckUser *cannot* identify the real-world identity of a user. It only reveals technical connections between accounts.
  • Shared IP addresses can make it difficult to determine if accounts are genuinely related.
  • User agents can be spoofed, so they are not always reliable.
  • CheckUser data is only as good as the information available. If a user is using a VPN or proxy server, CheckUser may not be able to identify their true IP address. Understanding VPNs and their impact on IP tracking is critical.
  • Correlation does not equal causation. Similar editing patterns do not automatically mean that accounts are operated by the same person.


    1. How Is CheckUser Data Used?

CheckUser data is used in the following ways:

  • **Sockpuppet Investigations (SPI):** The primary use of CheckUser data is to assist in SPI cases. SPI is a process where community members investigate suspected sockpuppetry and other forms of abuse. CheckUser agents provide data to SPI clerks, who analyze it and present their findings to administrators.
  • **Identifying Ban Evasion:** CheckUser can help identify users who are attempting to evade a block by creating new accounts.
  • **Responding to Abuse Reports:** CheckUser can be used to investigate reports of disruptive editing or harassment.
  • **Preventive Measures:** In some cases, CheckUser data can be used to proactively identify potential abuse before it occurs.
  • **Confirming Account Security:** CheckUser can assist in confirming whether an account has been compromised.
    1. The CheckUser Policy – Key Rules and Guidelines

The CheckUser policy is designed to ensure that the tools are used responsibly and ethically. Key rules and guidelines include:

  • **Confidentiality:** CheckUser data is *highly confidential*. CheckUser agents are prohibited from disclosing this information to anyone who is not authorized to see it. Breaching confidentiality can result in revocation of CheckUser access.
  • **Just Cause:** CheckUser investigations must be based on a reasonable suspicion of abuse. Randomly checking accounts is prohibited.
  • **Documentation:** All CheckUser investigations must be thoroughly documented, including the reasons for the investigation, the data examined, and the conclusions reached. This documentation is crucial for transparency and accountability.
  • **Minimization:** CheckUser agents should only access the minimum amount of data necessary to investigate a specific issue.
  • **Impartiality:** CheckUser agents must remain impartial and avoid letting personal biases influence their investigations.
  • **Transparency:** While the *data* itself is confidential, the *results* of CheckUser investigations should be made public whenever possible, in accordance with the SPI process.
  • **Respect for Privacy:** Even though CheckUser does not reveal real-world identities, agents must still be mindful of user privacy and avoid making assumptions about users' identities.
  • **Log Access:** All CheckUser actions are logged and auditable by other CheckUsers and the Wikimedia Foundation. This ensures accountability and helps to identify any misuse of the tools.
    1. How to Request a CheckUser Check

You do *not* directly request a "CheckUser check." Instead, you report suspected sockpuppetry or other abuse at the Wikipedia:Sockpuppet investigation page. SPI clerks will then assess the situation and, if warranted, request CheckUser data from a CheckUser agent. Providing detailed evidence and clear explanations of your concerns will increase the likelihood of a successful investigation. Examples of evidence include:

  • **Shared Editing Patterns:** Accounts consistently editing the same articles in the same way.
  • **Similar Writing Styles:** Accounts using identical phrasing or arguments.
  • **Coordinated Voting:** Accounts voting in unison on deletion discussions or other polls.
  • **Circumstantial Evidence:** Any other evidence that suggests a connection between accounts.
    1. The SPI Process

The Sockpuppet Investigation (SPI) process is the standard procedure for investigating suspected sockpuppetry. It involves the following steps:

1. **Report Filing:** A user reports suspected sockpuppetry at the SPI page. 2. **Case Assessment:** SPI clerks review the report and determine if there is sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation. 3. **CheckUser Request:** If warranted, SPI clerks request CheckUser data from a CheckUser agent. 4. **Data Analysis:** The CheckUser agent provides the requested data to the SPI clerks. 5. **Analysis and Findings:** SPI clerks analyze the data and prepare a report of their findings. 6. **Administrative Action:** Administrators review the report and take appropriate action, such as blocking sockpuppet accounts or issuing warnings.

    1. Resources and Further Information

Understanding these resources and the intricacies of CheckUser is vital for contributing to a healthy and productive wiki environment.



Wikipedia:Policies and guidelines Wikipedia:Administrators Wikipedia:Blocking policy Wikipedia:Civility Wikipedia:Conflict of Interest Wikipedia:Neutral point of view Wikipedia:Sockpuppet Wikipedia:Meatpuppetry Wikipedia:Vandalism Wikipedia:Harassment

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