Wikipedia:IP block exemption

"WP:IPBLOCK" and "WP:EXEMPT" redirect here. For information on blocking IP addresses, see Wikipedia:Blocking IP addresses. For exemption about fair use policy, see WP:NFEXMP. For exemption about three-revert rule policy, see WP:NOT3RR.

Normally, long-term blocks of IP addresses or ranges do not affect logged-in editors. However, it is occasionally necessary to block both anonymous and logged-in users, using autoblock and/or hard blocks, to prevent disruption.

Administrators and bots are always exempt from such blocks (except for Tor blocks). Other editors can request for IP address block exemptions on a per-user basis if they can show good cause.

An IP address block exemption allows that editor to edit without interruption, from an IP address that would otherwise be blocked through no fault of their own. It can also be used to allow editing via an anonymizing proxy when need is demonstrated and the user is trusted to not abuse the user right.

Editors granted IP address block exemption should be aware that breach of this policy, including unauthorized editing via proxies, or significant concerns over account abuse or other conduct, may lead to the removal of the IP address block exemption.

The permission is usually given for 12-month intervals for experienced users, who are encouraged to request it again if they have a continued need after it expires. Users with less experience but who meet the qualification under this policy might be granted an IP block exemption for a shorter duration.

When it is considered, please document the decision and your experience here so we can learn from your experience.

There are currently 831 users who have the IPBE flag.

Requesting and granting exemption

There are three main circumstances where the IP address block exemption flag can be given:

• An editor who is unfortunately affected by a block intended to prevent vandalism or disruption. After being given the flag, they will then be able to edit without being affected by any IP address blocks.
• An editor in good standing editing anonymously when they can demonstrate the need.
• For one of the reasons above, an editor in good standing needs to edit from an IP address or range that is globally blocked, but is primarily interested in editing the English Wikipedia.

These are handled differently, due to the additional safeguards involved for open proxy usage.

Used to bypass an IP address range block

Hard IP address range blocks are used to prevent persistent disruption from temporary accounts and sock-puppets within an IP address range. An editor with a credible editing record who would be affected by this measure may be exempted from the block at administrative discretion, allowing them to edit uninterrupted through the IP address range block.

The conditions for granting this are that:

• the editor's normal (non-proxy) IP address will be disrupted by an IP address block placed on a range they usually edit on, through no fault of theirs. (This may be confirmed via autoblock or CheckUser)
• the editor agrees never to misuse the exemption to edit through a blocked anonymizing proxy (this may be checked), and,
• when the block ends, or ceases to be an issue for the editor, the exemption will be removed by any administrator.

In addition, IP block exemption may also be given by an administrator without a request, to prevent good-faith editors being affected by a hard IP address range block. The editor should be informed that in order to prevent vandalism, a block has been applied to their IP address range, and they have been exempted from it. They should clearly be recommended to read this section, and especially that the flag may be removed if used to edit via a blocked proxy. (See tags and templates below.)

Who may request

A user affected by an IP address block that is unrelated to their editing and that prevents them editing with a logged-in account.

How to request

Request IP address block exemption through the Unblock Ticket Request System. Be sure to use the Blocked User option and select English Wikipedia, even if the IP you want to use is globally blocked, as you are requesting a local exemption. You must ask from your registered account. Requests posted to the user talk page of the IP address will be automatically declined. Administrators granting this right may sometimes need to consult a CheckUser to confirm the problem, or may wish to obtain further review by posting the request onto an administrative list or page for discussion if unfamiliar with the case.

Used for anonymous proxy editing

Editing via an anonymous proxy, including open proxies and VPN services, can be easily abused. In this case, IP block exemption is granted only to trusted users. Examples of editors who may reasonably request an exemption include users who show they can contribute to the encyclopedia, and existing users with a history of valid non-disruptive contribution.

However, many users are known to access through open proxy unknowingly due to settings configured in their internet browser. Before you apply for IP block exemption (which may take time and is not guaranteed to be granted), you should check the internet connection preference of your browser and change it to no proxy access. This includes opt-in services such as Apple iCloud Private Relay.

Note that avoidance of checkuser, or specific checkusers, is not usually considered a sufficient reason – concerns over checkusers should be discussed with the Arbitration Committee or the ombuds commission.

Who should request

An editor who demonstrates a need and can be trusted not to abuse the right.

How to request

Email the checkuser VRT team at checkuser-en-wpwikipedia.org ensuring your email includes your username, or contact a CheckUser directly, explaining why you need to edit via anonymous proxies. Administrators who are contacted through other means may need to consult a checkuser to confirm the problem.

Relationship with global IP block exemption

The local IP block exemption on the English Wikipedia allows editors to edit from any IP address, even if it is subject to a global block. The global IP block exemption permission does not allow a user to edit if there is a local hard block in place. It may be appropriate to grant editors local IP block exemption to edit through global blocks if they predominantly plan on editing the English Wikipedia and they do not have experience on other projects.

Conversely, it is not always appropriate to grant editors with global IP block exemption the local permission if they would not otherwise qualify for it based on this policy.

Removal

IP block exemption is a privilege given to editors who need it, and who are trusted not to abuse it. Typical reasons why exemption may be removed from an account:

• No longer needed or insufficient rationale for granting – relevant hard IP address block ended and not anticipated to recur; editor has access to Wikipedia through a non-blocked IP address, user becomes an administrator, etc.
• Bad faith or misleading statement in request
• Credible evidence or concern of abuse (including conflict of interest by granting admin) – in unclear cases questions might be raised before assumptions are made.

As with any block (which exemption removal can effectively be), a neutral administrator may remove the right or seek discussion of perceived issues by the community. Due to the potential for abuse, credible concerns over abuse endorsed by the community may at times be sufficient for removal. However, in all cases, removal should be preventative and not punitive.

Per a May 2016 RfC, administrators should notify users of an upcoming routine removal of their IPBE flag and allow them an opportunity to discuss. Extensions should normally be given upon request.

Administrator's guide

• If the relevant user's IP address is blocked by a checkuser, verify with the checkuser in advance of granting IP address block exemption that doing so will not adversely affect a block made based on private information available only to checkusers.
• All IP address block exemptions are subject to review and repeal. Exemption may be, and often will be, withdrawn if there is credible evidence or concern of abuse. It is advisable for administrators to discuss first if in doubt, since a poorly-founded exemption will be quickly withdrawn.
• When considering IP address block exemption, the editing history of the editor and the abusive range concerned should be carefully reviewed before making a decision.
• IP address block exemption is granted or removed via Special:UserRights. Editors having the IP block exempt right are visible as a user group under Special:ListUsers and can be reviewed. (Note that if the editor is an administrator, they will not usually appear in this list.) The reason for granting or removal are given in the relevant user's rights log.
• Admins can log the granting of rights at Wikipedia talk:IP block exemption/log.

Tags and templates

• {{subst:Ipexemptgranted}} (or "{{subst:IPBE}}") contains suggested notes for an editor who has been granted the IP address block exempt right in order to edit through a hard block of their IP address.
• Suggested narrative for a hard-blocked IP address range: "This IP address range is blocked to prevent vandalism. If you are one of the bona fide users on this IP address range, and affected by this, please request unblocking, and ask for checkuser and IP address block exemption"

See also

• List of users with IP address block exemption
• Wikipedia:Open proxies
• meta:Global IP block exemptions
• Wikipedia:Blocking policy
• Wikipedia:Blocking IP addresses
• Wikipedia:Appealing a block
• Wikipedia:Autoblock
• Wikipedia:CheckUser
• {{User wikipedia/Ipexempt}} – a userbox template to indicate you have the IP block exemption user right