CheckUser access
CheckUser is a special tool that allows wiki administrators to view users' IP addresses, browser user agents, and XFF information and compare them to other users. It is typically used to investigate claims of sockpuppetry or account compromises.
WikiForge allows wiki contacts to request access to the tool for themselves and for users they designate.
Obtaining usage permission
Due to the sensitive nature of the CheckUser tool, it is disabled by default. Wiki contacts may request that the tool be enabled and that they, and users they designate, be granted access by contacting us.
In order to gain access to the tool, wiki contacts and their delegates must first sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) where they affirm that they will not use the data in any manner contrary to the Privacy Policy (e.g. disclosing information to unauthorized third parties, etc.). Misusing the tool may incur Privacy Policy violations and may lead to revocation of access or wiki closure in egregious cases.
Eligibility
While final eligibility rules are under consideration, the following provisional guidance shall serve to determine eligibility to sign a non-disclosure agreement for CheckUser permissions:
A candidate user must:
- Currently serve as an Administrator/Bureaucrat of the wiki (or local equivalent) AND
- Intend to continue serving in that role for the foreseeable future.
- Notify and receive explicit approval from (or be) the primary payer(s) for WikiForge services OR
- Fulfill notification/approval requirements as documented in local wiki policy
- Be at least 18 years of age (or age of majority in relevant country)
- Sign the agreement voluntarily
- Be willing to disclose their email address, physical address, and real-life name on the agreement
Completed agreement paperwork will be securely held in confidence and not disclosed to third parties except where legally necessary and only to the degree necessary, such as audit compliance or in the case of litigation resulting from misuse of CheckUser access.
Removal
Access to CheckUser features may be revoked by WikiForge Staff for the following reasons:
- Misrepresentation of eligibility to serve
- Misuse of CheckUser access
- Resignation from a qualifying role.
- Upon request by the primary payer(s)
- Upon request by the user
This list is provisional and WikiForge reserves the right to expand it as new qualifying circumstances are identified.
Usage
It is recommended that CheckUser only be used to investigate sockpuppetry or claims of account compromises. Nevertheless, it is completely up to local wikis to devise a policy or procedure on when use of the tool is acceptable, as long as it is in agreement with the Privacy Policy.