Wikipedia:Protected Userpage
This page outlines the policy and procedure for protecting user pages from editing by anonymous and unregistered users, and anyone other than the user the page belongs to or a Wikipedia administrator (sysop).
Overview
User pages on Wikipedia serve as a space for editors to share information about themselves, their Wikipedia interests, and their contributions. Protecting these pages is crucial to maintaining the privacy and security of Wikipedia editors.
Rationale
The protection of user pages is advocated for several reasons:
- Preventing Vandalism: Protecting user pages helps prevent vandalism, ensuring that editors' personal spaces remain untouched by unauthorized edits.
- Privacy: It upholds the privacy of Wikipedia editors by limiting who can alter their user pages.
- Ownership and Control: While Wikipedia encourages collaboration, user pages are considered personal spaces where individual control is respected.
Protection Guidelines
- Eligibility for Protection: User pages are eligible for protection if they have been subject to vandalism or if the user has a particular concern for privacy.
- Requesting Protection: Users can request page protection by contacting an administrator or posting a request on the appropriate Wikipedia noticeboard.
Administrator Access and Responsibilities
- Admin Rights: Administrators have the ability to edit protected user pages for maintenance, policy enforcement, or at the user's request.
- Blocking Policy: Editing another user's page without permission, particularly in a disruptive manner, may result in a block in accordance with the blocking policy.
- Subpages and Talk Pages: Protection typically extends to user subpages and may include talk pages if necessary. Administrators will use discretion based on the situation and requests.
Procedure for Edits by Others
- If non-admin users need to make constructive edits to a protected user page (e.g., to remove a copyright violation or address a pressing privacy concern), they should:
* Contact the user directly via their talk page or email, if enabled.
* If the user is unresponsive, contact an administrator for assistance.
Exceptions and Considerations
- User Talk Pages: While this guideline primarily addresses user pages, user talk pages are generally not protected to ensure open communication. Exceptions may be made in extreme cases of harassment or vandalism.
