Meta:Bots/en

Bots are users on wikis that are run by computers/scripts rather than humans. Bot accounts are created as normal and generally added to the bot user group so that they can bypass any measures that are intended to stop malicious bots from functioning. The bot accounts are accessed through scripts running on a computer.

Permission
Approved bots can be given the  flag on individual wikis. This makes all edits done by that account able to be hidden from Recent Changes and it removes systems in place to prevent certain types of malicious editing/botting, thus making edits by bots easier to perform.

Bot Accounts / Getting the Flag
Bot accounts are created as normal and generally added to the bot user group through Requests for permissions process (this part only applies to this wiki), and the bot accounts are accessed through scripts running on a computer. Bot programs running on computers do the work of the bot, and the bot account allows it to access functionality on the wiki. Some tasks, such as editing on an open wiki or getting information do not require an account, but bots that perform privileged tasks including blocking users or protecting pages require a bot account with sysop rights. The program that runs the bot is run from a computer controlled by the bot account owner. Some bots might allow interaction with bots through the wiki; this is done by setting the bot to watch for specific changes to its user page or talk page, or any other bot relevant page, such as a central bot control page.

Revocation
The bot flag of any bot may be removed by a bureaucrat if:
 * the bot has made no edits or log actions for a year, or
 * the operator requests that the flag from their bot be removed.