Suppression policy

Suppression (historically known as oversight) is a procedure used by Stewards and local privileged users (called suppressors) to remove personal information and other sensitive data from visibility, even by administrators.

Policy

Criteria

In general, suppression shall only be applied in the following circumstances:

• Private personally identifiable information posted without consent, including links and directions to websites and other sources that publish private information without consent. Certainty is not required; if there is a reasonable possibility that the content is private information, it should be suppressed.
  • Personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to: physical addresses or locations, names, phone numbers, email addresses, or any other information linked to real-world identity.
  • Even if an editor has released personal information on another public website, it is still subject to suppression unless an editor has also posted the information on WickedGov.
  • This criterion includes IP addresses inadvertently revealed by editing while logged out.
  • This criterion includes any non-public personal information published about minors, even if the minor deliberately posted it themselves.
• Unlawful content, (copyright infringements excepted) or links to websites distributing it.
• Copyright infringement in exceptional cases, such as when the office has received a DMCA complaint. Suppression under this criterion should only be done after request of staff. In most cases, revision deletion is acceptable and sufficient.
• Obviously defamatory content when severe enough to warrant exceptional action. In less severe cases, revision deletion or simple reverting may be sufficient.
• Valid deletions under the deletion policy where technical restrictions do not allow for normal deletion.
• Legally required suppressions in the judgement of the WickedGov office.
• Grossly offensive usernames when they do not meet any other criterion but there is no compelling reason to keep the username. This includes attack usernames: usernames that contain derogatory, false, or misleading statements about another person, organization, or group.

Reposting suppressed material

Describing or reposting suppressed content is prohibited. Administrators, suppressors, or Stewards may take administrative action against users who post private information or libel or otherwise violate this policy. Administrators should not reverse blocks marked as "suppression blocks" unless they are also a suppressor or have permission from a suppressor.

Suppression access

Stewards

Stewards are the primary users with access to the suppression tool.

If required, Stewards are permitted to temporarily grant themselves suppression access on all wikis. This is permitted regardless of whether local suppressors exist. However, if local suppressors do exist and have made a determination about the content, Stewards should respect this decision (unless it is manifestly incorrect).

Stewards should not self-grant indefinite suppression access except when there is local consensus.

Local suppressors

Sometimes, suppressors may be appointed on individual wikis, subject to the following rules:

• The local suppressor flag may be granted and removed by Stewards only.
• Temporary suppression access will not be granted, except for Stewards.
• According to local policies, local suppressors may be appointed either by local consensus or by a local Arbitration Committee or similar body.
• All users applying for local suppression access must either be (a) a local administrator or (b) a member of a local Arbitration Committee or similar body.
• On any wiki, there must be at least two users with suppression access, or none at all. This is so that they can mutually control and confirm their actions. In the case where only one suppressor is left on a wiki (when the only other one retires or is removed), the community must appoint a new suppressor immediately (so that the number of suppressors is at least two). If the community does not do so, the remaining suppressor shall also have access removed.
• The wiki must be large enough to require local suppressors. Stewards will make the final determination of this point based on criteria including the size of the community and the frequency of suppression being necessary.
• There must be broad consensus for the appointment with numerous users participating. In cases of appointments by arbitration committees, the election of arbitrators must have been well-attended.

Requesting suppression

To request suppression, please contact the Stewards as soon as possible. Any registered user with a confirmed email address can contact them at Special:EmailUser/Suppression. Local wikis may also have their own procedures. Even if you are not sure whether information should be suppressed, a Steward or suppressor will be able to review the edit and make a determination. Do not talk publicly about requests for suppression, as this will have the opposite effect of what is intended.