Commons talk:Protection policy

Page protection...

Hardly seems valid to indefinitely page protect this page because of two cases of vandalism separated by a month. I propose that PP be removed. --J.smith (talk) 20:54, 8 August 2009 (UTC)

Go for it. It's just semi. Nowadays, that's pretty good for a policy on protection bro. ;) Rocket000 (talk) 10:15, 9 August 2009 (UTC)

Protection should not be temporal. It should be based on the person who put it. Benson Favour (talk) 06:26, 25 September 2018 (UTC)

I want to verify my profile thank you Hasnain Ali 512 (talk) 08:19, 10 May 2021 (UTC)

Heavy use / visible files(!) protection

[move=sysop] and [upload=sysop] should be enough, isn't it? edit=sysop isn't needed. It came to my mind, that someone malicious could place redir on a file page to get another content displayed at file inclusions. But as far as I tested (temporarily) at File:AXMPtiffbeach.jpg redirs do not fire if there are file version - neither for the file content (thumb URL links) and |thumb| inclusions nor even for the file page File:AXMPtiffbeach.jpg. Can someone confirm this - or even has a link to the relevant MediaWiki code / doc?

If we are sure that edits cannot do harm the action=edit can be free. As such protections probably occur often at Commons I suggest to add one or two short sentences of advice/help how to protect (not for editing) such files. Cheers --Saibo (Δ) 01:04, 14 November 2011 (UTC)

I agree. edit=sysop restriction is not necessary for highly visoble files. Edit restriction can be set individually when there is excessive vandalism or edit warring about file's description. – Kwj2772 (msg) 08:40, 15 November 2011 (UTC)

Tested again and made the change to the page now. Hope it is fine for everybody. --Saibo (Δ) 01:34, 29 January 2012 (UTC)

It never was updated since we got [upload] control. So yes, the description page itself doesn't need to be protected due to the attached image being heavily used. Rocket000 (talk) 10:05, 30 January 2012 (UTC)

Spam Filter Off

Hi all; I need to add a link from the Welsh Help section here to a video Tutorial I've made on You Tube. Wiki-cy won't allow this link due to the Spam Filter; can anyone guide me please as to how do I turn it off on that Help Page? Many thanks - diolch yn fawr! Secondly, are there any new developments with the size of ogg files on Commons? Last time I looked they were too small for my purpose, as the user needs to see the cursor. - Llywelyn2000 (talk) 16:57, 13 March 2013 (UTC).

Strange semi-protected templates

Hi,
Many templates ({{Wikispecies}}, {{WikispeciesCompact}}, {{Taxonavigation}}...) that I maintain are protected but their protection is incoherent:

• When I click on "See source code", they display a banner : "This page is semi-protected and can only be modified by registered users" (approximate translation as my language is french).
• I am a long-registered User, but I cannot edit theses templates.

So either, there is a bug blocking my edition or the banner is buggy and should say that this template is fully protected and only an admin can edit it.
PS: I still dream of a 'authorized to change templates and modules' status not related to 'admin' status. An admin is not meant to develop templates and modules + A templates and modules editor may no wish to become admin.
Best regards, Liné1 (talk) 12:48, 7 October 2013 (UTC)

Errata

Cascading protection affects included files, however it affects their file description pages also. That causes (besides other things) that description and categorization of files used at the main page cann't be improved. This behavior is assaulted in phab:T24521 as a bug.

Either replace the apostrophe with an O or remove one N from cann't. 59.153.235.208 05:48, 27 July 2017 (UTC)

Suggest amending Upload protection

with "A user with lacking rights will see this notice: You cannot overwrite this file. It is possible to ask for an upload protected image to be overwritten at Commons:Requested updates to protected images." (do notice the included comment) The rationale is for people seeing the notice to be able to find this explanation for it. Do you think this would be an improvement? --Palosirkka (talk) 00:21, 21 October 2018 (UTC)

SQL queries to find templates and modules which are not protected and which are used on a lot of pages

Here are 2 queries: one for templates and one for modules which find pages with high number of uses or transclusions (over 500k) which are not fully protected. Some of the pages like i18n (internationalization) pages are meant to be edited by many people and semi-protection might be sufficient. Other pages should be protected. This message is a copy of a post to Commons:Administrators' noticeboard/Blocks and protections, copied here so it can be found in the future. --Jarekt (talk) 14:20, 12 November 2018 (UTC)

Semi-protected pages

I can edit semi-protected pages on Wikipedia. Why can't I here? Victionarier (talk) 12:20, 16 March 2020 (UTC)

• @Victionarier: You weren't autoconfirmed at the time. Refer to Commons:Autoconfirmed users. ~riley (talk) 09:38, 12 April 2020 (UTC)

High transclusion count

How do we define a "high transclusion count"? 100? 1000? pandakekok9 09:05, 12 April 2020 (UTC)

Define times for vandalism semi protection

We do not have any guideline on when and how long a page should become protected due to vandalism. Pages with the same kind of vandalism get no to infinite protection. To get a consistent behavior on this I would propose the following simple and non binding guideline:

• If page gets vandalized two times in two month my two different users the page should become infinitely semi protected.
• If a pages get vandalized at least four times within a year the page should also become infinitely semi protected.

GPSLeo (talk) 15:23, 3 May 2023 (UTC)

•  Oppose in current form. I would request for modifications. Two times in a month and indefinite semi-protection? This doesn't sound okay to be. In fact, I would say, if a page gets vandalized more than three times within a week or so, it should be protected for a month only, and if vandalism continues thereafter, it can be protected for an indefinite period of time. Protection for two vandal edits is just going out of my head. I do not agree with the second proposal. If you are setting two vandal edits/per month a bar, then the vandal edits/per year should be 24? No? 4 vandal edits per year and protection, no, I do not agree with this kind of bureaucratic behavior. Sorry. ─ The Aafī (^talk) 15:33, 3 May 2023 (UTC)

  Three vandalism events within one week are very rare. I would be fine with with something like six month protection after two vandalism events in two month and infinite protection if the files get vandalized after this time. I do not think that this is to bureaucratic, we currently do not have any guideline on this resulting in very different treatment of page protection. GPSLeo (talk) 16:01, 3 May 2023 (UTC)

  After two vandal edits, the page doesn’t need to be protected at all, let alone infinitely, no matter if those two vandal edits happen within a decade, a year, a month or a minute. Protection should be used only if the level of vandalism is too much to be handled (or if we can’t afford showing vandalized content even for a short period of time, e.g. on the main page). Two vandal edits are way not too less to be unhandleable. After four vandal edits within a week, maybe a temporary protection of a week or month is okay. Infinite protection should be applied only if the vandalism continues persistently for months or years, where “persistently” means several vandal edits each month. —Tacsipacsi (talk) 07:00, 4 May 2023 (UTC)

  Here are some examples of a typical vandalism history on file pages:

  • File:Eq it-na pizza-margherita sep2005 sml.jpg
  • File:Screenshot of Google Translate.png
  • File:Rowdy.png
  • File:Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Signature.svg
  • File:Google Assistant logo.png
  • File:Opera Mini 2015 icon.svg

  Most of these cases would not be covered by a four edits in one week rule. And you also can see how long these vandalism was not reverted. If we do not get more people to patrol edits protecting the files would be the only solution. GPSLeo (talk) 09:19, 4 May 2023 (UTC)

  Vandalism not being reverted does not mean that we should go high-handed and protect files pre-emptively. ─ The Aafī (^talk) 07:13, 5 May 2023 (UTC)

  What do you suggest instead? Or do you think this kind of vandalism does not harm our project? GPSLeo (talk) 11:30, 5 May 2023 (UTC)

  Vandalism of any kind causes problems and damage but a high bureaucracy is going to cause more. What I think is to have Cluebot on Commons to revert this sort of vandalism because we have too little number of patrollers. I might not be personally interested in reverting vandalism because I happen to be occupied in some other areas and this is true of everyone who has their interested venues to take care of. Files and pages of my interest hardly get vandalised and this makes me relief and imo others feel relived the same way whilst the same time vandals do vandalism on pages that do not interest so many patrollers who can revert the edit on time. Lets have the Cleubot man. Protection is something very higher with the vandal edits being just 3/m. ;) ─ The Aafī (^talk) 15:23, 5 May 2023 (UTC)

 Oppose. Such guideline is not needed at all. You said: "Pages with the same kind of vandalism get no to infinite protection." So what? This does not need to be regulated. Taivo (talk) 09:49, 6 May 2023 (UTC)

Wording

Suggestion: "delicate location" instead of "dangerous". -- Basile Morin (talk) 02:48, 5 February 2024 (UTC)

 Not done Poor wording, IMO, but protected page -- Basile Morin (talk) 13:14, 16 February 2024 (UTC)

Addition of wording

I would like to propose the following addition to this policy, following the addition of a new protection group for autopatrollers:

Autopatroller protection only allows editing for users with the autopatrolled right. It should only be used where semi-protection has been proven to be ineffective to combat disruption (in cases such as vandalism, sockpuppetry, edit wars, etc.)

—Matrix(!) {user - talk? - useless contributions} 12:50, 16 February 2024 (UTC)

page protection

Can I request my page to be unprotected by whoever is trying to take over my page? I cant actually ask them directly because the page I created 1/31 says no edits, it also says I dont have a user page and also says the page is protected. If my request is approved can My page be protected from future takeovers? Prettytata253 (talk) 02:38, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

@Prettytata253: Hi, and welcome. What is the page name, exactly? If you are writing about en:User talk:Prettytata253, please stop adding email addresses there, that will only get you spam.   — 🇺🇦Jeff G. ツ _{please ping or talk to me}🇺🇦 07:27, 20 February 2024 (UTC)

Inconsistencies between sites

I have noticed that the lock icons for page protection vary between sites. This page displays what I believe to be the entire collection of lock icons across Wikimedia (this is just a guess.) Why isn't there a standard? Morpheus^{Talk • Contribs} 20:47, 26 February 2024 (UTC)

@Morpheus7377: Different communities have different consensuses on which lock icons they like the best for pages on their projects. We try to serve all of them.   — 🇺🇦Jeff G. ツ _{please ping or talk to me}🇺🇦 15:01, 27 February 2024 (UTC)

Bringing Modern Governance and Traditional Leadership Together for a Wealthy Africa ==

Through the United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA), His Royal Majesty King Mswati III and His Imperial Highness Prince Estifanos Matewos are working together to advance traditional authorities in contemporary governance.

This pioneering organization aims to empower Africa's traditional leaders, integrating their invaluable wisdom and influence into the execution of the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA), an ambitious organization established in 2018 and operationalized in 2022, is poised to revolutionize the role of traditional leaders on the continent. Under the visionary leadership of HRM King Mswati III and HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos in collaboration with prominent Africa Royals and Diplomats, UARA is bringing together traditional authorities to promote sustainable development, peace, unity, while safeguarding Africa's rich cultural heritage.

UARA is rooted in the visionary ideas of the late H.E. Muammar al-Qaddafi, who envisaged a traditional authorities’ supporting agency for the African Union, and Nelson Mandela’s policies to elevate traditional leaders. The Assembly represents 300 kings, queens, sultans, emirs, chiefs, royal family members, and traditional leaders from across the continent. It aims to restore the dignity, cultural identity, and heritage of Africans while promoting peace, security, inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development, by empowering traditional leaders and integrating their vital influence into modern governance.

The Board:

●      HRM King Mswati III of Eswatini, the principal architect behind the UARA's establishment, has played a critical role in providing the vision and resources needed to launch this initiative.

●      HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos of the Ethiopian Menelik Dynasty serves as the UARA president, overseeing its strategic direction and operations from Johannesburg.

●      Honorable Nkosana Dlamini-Zuma serves as the Chair of the Advisory Committee

●      HRH Princess Zamaswazi Mandela is the Stakeholder Manager

●      Advisory Committee: 5 Head of Traditional Authorities representing the 5 Regions of the African Union

The board works hand in hand with Ambassadors chosen to represent the interests of the organization in various institutions, conferences and missions.

Projects:

UARA is driving 15 significant projects, each managed by a commissioner or special advisor. These projects, also known as commissions, cover a range of areas:

●      Economic Development: Initiatives aimed at education, agriculture, enhancing trade, continental integration, financial inclusion, banks for traditional authorities, energy development, natural resource-based beneficiation and job creation.

●      Cultural Preservation: Projects focused on documenting and promoting Africa's rich cultural heritage.

●      Environmental Sustainability: Efforts to protect biodiversity, promote indigenous knowledge systems and medicines, as well as sustainable practices.

●      Peace and Security: Programs aimed at cross-cultural unity, peacebuilding and conflict resolution, as well as improving security measures for traditional authorities and their regions.

The commissioners, selected for their expertise and advocacy for traditional authorities, include politicians, high-ranking military officials, diplomats, and scholars.

UARA’s initiatives are already gaining recognition and yielding results. On June 2, 2023, UARA and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement. This historic collaboration aims to strengthen traditional leadership and governance systems by combining the democratic institution of parliament with embedded traditional leadership, enhancing unity and stability across the continent.

On July 9, 2023, UARA and the AeTrade Group signed an MoU during the African Integration Day and the inaugural Africa Job Creation Forum. This agreement seeks to fast-track digital and financial inclusion, aligning with the AU Summit Decision to drive economic development. UARA pledged a substantial billion-dollar investment over the next decade to support this initiative, aiming to create between 80 to 125 million jobs over the next 10 to 15 years.

In 2024, UARA engaged newly appointed AU Chairman Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, and Presidents of Namibia, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to discuss the inclusion and empowerment of traditional authorities within continental and national governance structures in order to realize success sustainable development projects and conflict resolution initiatives.

Following the assassination of the Onikoro of Koro-Ekiti in Nigeria, UARA called for a comprehensive reassessment of the Nigerian constitution’s provision for security measures aimed at protecting traditional rulers and vulnerable communities amid rising terrorist threats and attacks.

In response to diplomatic tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, UARA engaged Presidents Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi, advocating for dialogue and cooperation to ease escalating discord and support regional peace and stability.

In April, the UARA engaged King Langalibalele II Johannes Radebe of AmaHlubi Kingdom of South Africa. The Kingship is still fighting for recognition by the South African government, after being banned by the British when King Nguni/ King Langalibalele I was captured in 1873 and banished to Robben Island.

Quotes:

●      HRM King Mswati III: "The United Africa Royal Assembly is not just a symbol of our past; it is a beacon for our future. By integrating traditional leadership into modern governance, we can ensure a prosperous and unified Africa."

●      HIH Prince Estifanos Matewos: "Our mission is to empower traditional leaders and harness their influence to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063. Together, we can build a continent where heritage and progress walk hand in hand."

●      HRH Princess Zibuyile Zamahlubi Hadebe: “The role of traditional leadership has often been limited to attending charity events, while the critical task of rolling out development is left to political entities. Where politics and government play significant roles, wouldn't it be wonderful if traditional leaders could directly deliver development to their people, independent of political intermediaries?"

●      HRM Fabrice Zombi Minikongo: “The Assembly has a role to play in promoting peace across the continent. As custodians of our cultural heritage, we possess a unique authority to advocate for peace and reconciliation. By leveraging our collective influence, we can work towards ending conflicts and fostering harmony in Africa”.

●      Former Minister Honorable Elvis Afriyie Ankrah (Ghana), Commissioner for Peace and Security: “Fostering partnerships between traditional leaders, government institutions, civil society, and international organizations can enhance their effectiveness in peace and security efforts”.

●      Honorable Minister Nana Manwanina Kiumba (DRC), Special Advisor on Youth Training and Human Capital Development: “The Assembly will play a crucial role by disseminating a culture of equality, combating all forms of violence, and contributing to the diversity of educational paths. These are the main levers that the entire educational community, from school to higher education, must activate in teachings, educational activities, and school life”.

●      Context:

Contemporary African politics is getting a wake up call for the importance of traditional authorities in governance as most governments struggle to deliver their mandate to the people. In many African countries, the role of traditional leadership has been marginalized, reducing their influence to ceremonial duties while critical developmental initiatives are managed by political entities. This disconnect has led to a gap in effectively addressing local issues, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting unity. The lack of integration between traditional leaders and modern governance structures has hampered efforts to achieve sustainable development, peace, and inclusive economic growth across the continent. The United Africa Royal Assembly (UARA) is necessary to bridge this gap, empowering traditional leaders to play an active role in governance, thereby enhancing the execution of the African Union's Agenda 2063 and fostering a unified, prosperous Africa. The partnership with AeTrade Group and the Pan-African Parliament is part of the steps for the inclusion of traditional authorities with the African Union’s economic development goals, as well as legislation and governance.

●      Call to Action:

As UARA continues to champion the integration of traditional leadership into Africa's governance framework, it calls upon all stakeholders—governments, private sectors, and civil society—to join hands in supporting this transformative vision. Through visionary leadership and the collective efforts of traditional authorities, Africa is set to embark on a path of renewed cultural pride, economic growth, and lasting peace. LionSong (talk) 23:08, 9 June 2024 (UTC)