A Wikipedia biography correction should identify a specific error and provide reliable published evidence. Wikipedia is an independently edited encyclopedia, not a personal profile you own. Being the subject does not give you control over every description, but its living-person policies provide important standards for contentious material.
01
Identify the exact editorial issue
Save the article link and the sentence or passage in question. Distinguish a demonstrable error, a weak source, missing context and a disagreement about tone. Find reliable publications that directly support the proposed correction. Private assertions or promotional copy may not satisfy the encyclopedia's sourcing requirements.
02
Disclose your relationship
Wikipedia's conflict-of-interest guidance discourages direct editing where your interests may compromise neutrality and provides a route for proposing changes. If you are the subject, an employee or a paid representative, make that relationship transparent and follow the applicable disclosure requirements. Do not create undisclosed accounts to simulate independent agreement.
- Quote only the short passage necessary to identify the issue.
- Propose concise, neutral replacement wording.
- Cite the specific reliable source supporting each change.
- Use the talk-page or appropriate noticeboard process for review.
03
Escalate a serious biography concern appropriately
For example, an article may state a professional sanction without a source that supports it. Explain the sourcing problem and use the living-person policy route rather than adding an unsourced denial or threatening volunteers. Keep discussion focused on the editorial standard. Publication decisions remain with the encyclopedia's processes.
Frequently asked questions
Can an agency guarantee a favorable article?
No. Editorial independence, sourcing and community review prevent legitimate providers from promising ownership or permanent favorable wording.
Should accurate negative information be removed?
Not simply because it is unfavorable. Evaluate reliability, relevance, balance and the biography policy. A correction request should improve accuracy, not convert the article into advertising.
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Sources and policies
Check the current policy before submitting a request.
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Share the URLs and explain your concern. We will review the context and explain which options are worth assessing.
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