Requests for Comment/Content Policy reform

Our current Content Policy was initially created around 2017 and has had some minor modifications since then. Since 2017 however, the project has grown substantially and a lot of new challenges have arisen which the current Content Policy is simply not equipped to deal with. What an outdated Content Policy does is it forces Stewards to rely on vague clauses to close clearly problematic wikis. That's why we are proposing a large Content Policy reform which reflects the current reality and allows Stewards and Global Sysops to deal with problematic situations in a better way. It should also be made clear that this Content Policy doesn't attempt to give more power to Stewards or to limit wiki autonomy. This RfC includes: clarifications, slight modifications to the status quo as well as completely new proposals. These new proposals attempt to ban certain types of wikis that that do (and have done) damage to Miraheze and which cause a lot of issues and drama as well as a generally negative reputation for Miraheze. Anything that is not mentioned here will remain part of the current policy unchanged.

It should be noted that all proposals are independent from each other so if you wish to oppose some and support others that is fine.

In order to make it easier for the closing Steward to implement the new proposals but also for users to better visualize the proposals, a model Content Policy has been created with each proposal organised into different sections. Reception123 (talk) ( C ) 05:38, 9 September 2022 (UTC)

Co-sponsored by: Agent Isai

Proposal 1 (Scope)

 * The Content Policy outlines the types of content that Miraheze is not willing to host. Wiki creators are expected to know this policy and apply it to new requests. Wiki administrators are also expected to know this policy and are responsible for ensuring that their wikis do not fall outside the bounds of these rules. If administrators repeatedly ignore or do nothing about violations of this policy, the wiki in question will be closed. This policy is mainly directed to wiki leadership but ordinary editors should also make sure to also follow this policy and any local content policies that may exist on the wikis on which they edit.

Explanation: Minor modification of the current status quo

Proposal 2 (Illegal content)

 * Miraheze does not host any content that is illegal in the United Kingdom.

This includes but is not limited to sales of various forms of contraband (ivory, fissionable material, roofies, controlled substances), incitement to violence or hatred, or underage nudity. While we expect wiki administrators to help police this, Miraheze reserves the right to delete illegal content without prior notice. Generally, content will be removed by Stewards or Global Sysops if not done so by local administrators but in more severe cases, content may be removed by Trust and Safety under the Terms of Use.

Under United Kingdom Copyright Law (Copyright, Designs and Patents Act of 1988), Miraheze must remove material reported as infringing copyright, but editors or administrators may file a counter-notice if they believe the content is not, in fact, infringement. To file a Takedown Request, please use TSPortal.

Explanation: Replacing DMCA mentions with the Copyright, Design and Patents Act (as Miraheze is incorporated in the UK), add link to TSPortal, fix grammar, and very minor modification of the current status quo.

Proposal 3 (Difficult for other wikis)

 * A wiki must not create problems which make it difficult for other wikis.

Things which have a tendency to draw unwelcome attention to the wiki farm, such as hate speech, routine denial of service attacks, excessively violent content, references to self-harm, or places in which illegal activity is discussed can create conditions that penalize other wikis, either in SEO, domain blacklisting, downtime, trust in the wiki farm, or excessive Steward or Global Sysop time usage, especially in terms of policing content.

If we believe that your wiki proposal will hinder other wikis, we may decline your request. Additionally, we may suspend your wiki if these problems occur later, though this is very rare.

Note: Minor modification of the current status quo such as replacing the mention of 'staff' with Stewards/Global Sysops. It should be noted that this section should (and has) only be used as a last resort and decisions to invoke this section should not be taken lightly.

Proposal 3.1 (Forking)

 * Direct forks of other Miraheze wikis where no attempts at mediations are made are not allowed.

A direct fork of another Miraheze wiki where little to no attempts have been made to mediate situations on the existing wiki or existing community are prohibited. If mediation has been attempted and failed, contact a Steward who will be able to support the community through any follow up processes deemed necessary including but not limited to acceptance of a fork wiki as an exemption to this clause.

Explanation: Current status quo but made into a separate section for more clarity.

Proposal 3.2 (Wikimedia project forks)

 * Direct forks and forks where a substantial amount of content is copied from a Wikimedia project are not allowed.

Because Miraheze runs on a finite amount of space, direct forks (forks which seek to recreate and emulate a Wikimedia project by copying all of their content from there) and forks where a substantial amount of content is copied from a Wikimedia project are prohibited. If you believe you have a valid reason to fork a Wikimedia project (such as to save a project which is closing), please contact a Steward who will be able to grant an exemption to this policy depending on the circumstances. Existing wikis which are in violation of this clause are exempted from this policy.

Explanation: We have a lot of people who try to recreate Wikimedia projects such as Wikipedia on a common basis. These wikis usually tend to be a carbon copy of Wikimedia projects which tends to be a mess of copyright attribution issues and broken content. A full copy of a Wikimedia project like Wikipedia would also use up a lot of database space. We have my Wikipedia-like encyclopedic projects already so there shouldn't be a need more of these. If there is a legitimate need to fork a project such as if a small wiki in a different language is shutting down, there should be no issue with Stewards granting an exemption to this clause.

Proposal 4 (Anarchy)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis that operate on the basis of an anarchy system (i.e. no leadership and no rules)

This policy requires local administrators to help enforce it, so a wiki where there is no local leadership willing to enforce this policy and which declares to have no rules is not compatible with this policy.

Explanation: This policy doesn't mean that every wiki has to have written rules. By 'leadership' what is meant is simply an administrator who is able to make sure content doesn't violate this policy. This policy should be strictly interpreted.

Proposal 5 (Toxic)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis where the community has developed in such a way as to be characterized as toxic

This may include wikis where there have been repeated personal attacks, harassment of users, 'doxxing', hate speech and other Code of Conduct violations and where local administrators have ignored, enabled, and/or done little to stop this. Stewards and/or Global Sysops will attempt to remediate the issue first where possible with local administrators and the community.

Proposal 6 (Sexual nature involving minors)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis of a sexual nature which involve minors in any way.

Whether content is of a sexual nature and whether it involves minors will be determined by reference to all the circumstances and descriptions. Content includes written content, real images and animated or fictional images.

Proposal 6.1 (Sexual fetishes involving minors)
Additionally to Proposal 5.1,
 * Wikis which focus on fetishes that are sexual in nature which involves minors are not allowed. This includes written, real images and animated/fictional material.

Proposal 7 (NSFW Wikis)

 * Wikis which primarily host content deemed 'not safe for work' (NSFW; including but not limited to wikis focusing on lewd games/TV series, etc.) must follow the following rules:
 * 1. No content deemed 'not safe for work' (i.e. explicit imagery) may not be posted on the main page of the wiki.
 * 2. A dismissable sitenotice must be displayed which alerts users that the content is not appropriate for those under 18.
 * 3. Explicit imagery, where possible, should be collapsed by default.

Explanation: This is already the status quo for most wikis. In their wiki request, we ask them to follow these guidelines and all wikis agree to them but it is voluntary, there is nothing requiring a wiki to put a notice telling users it deals with NSFW subjects or stopping them from putting lewd imagery on their front page so it would be good to codify this. Any currently existing wiki not following this would be given ample time to get into compliance and would receive assistance where needed.

Proposal 7.1 (NSFW subdomains/sitenames)

 * Wikis may not feature subdomains or sitenames which mention lewd items or subjects such as sexual organs, sexual fluid, sexual acts, and other lewd and explicit topics.

Explanation: A perennial complaint you'll see on Discord is someone complaining wikis such as 'cumclicker.miraheze.org' or similar wikis with other explicit subdomains appear on user's CentralAuth. We understand that concern and believe it would be good to prohibit mentions of this. Any currently existing wikis incurring in a violation of this would be given help in transitioning subdomains, redirecting their old subdomain, and general SEO help.

Proposal 8 (Hateful content)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis that promote violence, hatred, or harassment against a person or group of people.

This include wikis which promote violence or hatred against people or groups of people based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, age, disability, or other marginalized groups.

Explanation: This only applies to promotion of violence, hatred, or harassment. This section does not affect or prohibit criticism or critical commentary.

Proposal 9 (Deceptive content)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis with the sole purpose of deceiving, defrauding, or misleading people.

Wikis which willfully engage in deceiving, defrauding, or misleading people are prohibited. Wikis are prohibited from engaging in disinformation, misrepresenting information purposefully to deceive and defraud, or from concealing their origin in order to mislead users on their intentions. Wikis may not engage in impersonating any person or organization. Misleading claims on health which have the potential to cause serious harm to people or public health are prohibited. This is not an exhaustive list of practices deemed deceptive but helps illustrate what sorts of behaviors are.

Wikis, such as fantasy world/roleplaying wikis, which make it clear that their intention is not to deceive, would not fall into a violation of this policy.

Explanation: In the wake of a changing internet landscape, platforms are abused more and more to mislead people into believing certain things. This clause will ensure that willful and deliberate deceptive content is prohibited on Miraheze. Stewards will only act on this where it is clear that the content is there to trick people negatively into believing something harmful. Stewards will never remove content they don't like and will always strive to enforce this policy in clear cases where the deceiving, defraudment, or misleading of users impacts them negatively. Where possible, Stewards should discuss with their colleagues before closing a wiki under this section.

Proposal 10 (File hosting)

 * Miraheze does not host wikis whose main purpose is to act as a file sharing service

Wikis whose main purpose is to act as a file hosting or sharing service are prohibited. Because Miraheze has finite resources, files on wikis should be used to upbuild the wiki. This does not affect 'commons'-type wikis that serve multiple wikis that are part of a group or network.

Proposal 11 (Steward conservatorship)

 * Where there is concern that a wiki is unable to meet its obligations in enforcing the Content Policy or other global policies, a wiki may be placed under a conservatorship.

Local administrators may petition Stewards to place their wiki under a conservatorship. Under a conservatorship, Stewards (and Global Sysops, unless otherwise requested not to by Stewards) would assume joint administrative control of a wiki alongside local administrators and Stewards would seek to help the community develop in a healthy manner that allows for the community to flourish and for the local community to effectively self-govern and for leadership to enforce all global policies. Stewards would temporarily fully assume a local role of bureaucrat (and Global Sysops, administrator) or equivalent and would consult the local community and administrators on proposed changes to local policy, practices, and convention, in order to help the wiki. Stewards and Global Sysops would not be above local policy and would follow all local community-endorsed policies, as would any local bureaucrat or administrator. While there is no set timeframe for a conservatorship to end, it will be the goal of Stewards for it to end as soon as possible. Stewards will determine when a local conservatorship should conclude or they may be petitioned by local administrators or the community on the Stewards' noticeboard. Conservatorships for other circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Under special and mostly extraordinary circumstances, Stewards may place a wiki in a conservatorship if they believe that local leadership is unable to address global policy enforcement concerns adequately and where previous remediation efforts involving the local administrators have failed (this includes where local administrators are chronically inactive and where reaching out to them has failed). While under these circumstances, Stewards will attempt to work alongside local administrators but if they refuse to cooperate positively or engage in self-sabotage of the wiki, Stewards may disregard them in wiki administrative affairs.

Explanation: There have been requests in the past for Stewards to step in and help local communities by acting as a sort of 'bureaucrat.' This new addition to the Content Policy would seek to codify further our role in that and give Stewards basis in policy to step in, at the request of local administrators of course. It also clarifies Stewards/GS positions on these wikis and what their end goal will be. The latter clause would be especially helpful for larger communities which require assistance and which we may not want to outright close due to the great impact it would have on their local communities (of course, provided that there are no egregious and systemic CP violations). With the latter clause, Stewards would be able to step in and institute changes in the local community (with their consent, following local voting or equivalent, in accordance to policy if any) if they deem it necessary but where local administrators are either unwilling or unable (in the case of inactivity) to do so themselves. Stewards would work with local administrators to help the community but if they are hostile to them or engage in sabotaging the wiki, Stewards will disregard them in administrative affairs (i.e., when it comes to moderation and such, Stewards will not pay too serious attention to them when it comes to proposal or complaints but will not demote them).

Proposal 11.1 (Conservatorship, extended)
In addition to the above, the following is added:


 * In extreme cases of uncooperative, overly hostile, and/or sabotaging behavior, Stewards (following consensus amongst them) may demote a local administrator from any extended local permission they hold. Stewards will only do this in extreme circumstances where other remediation efforts involving the local administrator in question have failed and where demotion is a necessity to ensure project stability.

Explanation: There may be times where a local bureaucrat simply refuses any change and may want to sabotage anything proposed. In these cases, the previous section stipulates that these administrators may be disregarded by Stewards but does not provide a recourse of action to address overly hostile behavior. This section would seek to codify that Stewards are able to demote these users under extreme circumstances, for the benefit of the community. Any such demotion would only happen during truly extreme circumstances and would be a last course of action for overly disruptive behavior from any administrator or bureaucrat.

Proposal 12 (General and individual violations)

 * There are two types of violations of this policy that can be observed:
 * Individual violations: A single page or a few pages may violate this policy. In that case, the issue can easily be resolved by removing the violating content and if necessary warning the user(s) who added it and taking further measures if they continue adding violating content. The wiki as a whole cannot be said to be violating this policy.
 * General (or systemic) violations: If the entire scope of a wiki or a large amount of pages violate this policy, it is considered that the entire wiki is in violation of the policy. In this case, local administrators must attempt to resolve the systemic issues and remove the violating content. If this is not done so within a reasonable period, Stewards may close the wiki for violating this policy.

Proposal 13 (Wiki creation)
NOTE: This proposal modifies Wiki creators specifically but is otherwise related to the Content Policy


 * When approving a wiki, wiki creators should be quite confident that it is unlikely that the wiki will violate the Content Policy. Wiki descriptions must be sufficiently precise as to be able to help the wiki creator make that determination. If a wiki creator is in doubt, they should contact a Steward for assistance.

Proposal 14 (Wiki requests)

 * A wiki's scope (as defined in the initial wiki request) must not be radically and completely changed without obtaining approval from Stewards. Users who radically change the scope of their wiki without approval may be restricted from requesting other wikis.

Explanation: The terms radically and completely are to be interpreted strictly. This only applies if the scope is completely changed from what was initially thought of. For example: requesting a wiki for a personal project with friends and then turning it into a wiki berating or attacking a person. Small changes to the original scope are not affected.

Proposal 14.1 (Wiki requests)
In addition to Proposal 12.1:
 * A wiki whose scope has been radically and completely changed may be closed by a Steward. Stewards will attempt to remediate the issue first but if the new scope of a wiki violates this policy, it may be closed.

Proposal 15 (Transition)

 * If any new proposals are adopted, existing wikis that violate the new proposals will be treated more leniently and given time to resolve any violations. If the entire scope of an existing wiki clearly violates new proposals, they will be given a reasonable amount of time (i.e. 30-60 days) until closure.

Note: If this proposal fails that means that all wikis (existing and new) are treated equally and may be closed for violations immediately.