Wikipedia applies heightened care to material about living people, including content outside a standalone biography. Concerns should be assessed by the exact wording, sourcing and privacy context, with prompt attention to serious unsupported contentious material through appropriate processes.
01
Identify the specific content problem
Separate an inaccurate date, an unsupported allegation and a well-sourced criticism. They do not require identical remedies. Read the cited material and check whether it supports the statement and its level of certainty. A source reporting an allegation does not justify writing that the alleged conduct is established fact. Avoid repeating sensitive accusations unnecessarily in public requests or correspondence.
02
Apply the policy without claiming ownership
English Wikipedia's living-person policy requires strong sourcing and special care with contentious material; serious unsourced or poorly sourced contentious claims warrant prompt removal under that policy. This does not mean the subject can erase reliable, relevant reporting because it is unfavorable. Disclose any personal or paid connection and follow the appropriate request or escalation route for the issue and language edition.
- Record the exact passage, revision link and the source it relies on.
- Explain the specific sourcing, accuracy or privacy concern in neutral terms.
- Avoid uploading private records or restating accusations more broadly than necessary.
03
Request a proportionate remedy
For a hypothetical biography with an incorrect professional credential, propose a narrowly supported correction rather than replacing the whole article with a promotional biography. If the concern involves private personal information, use the relevant privacy or oversight process instead of drawing more attention to it. Preserve records of requests and responses, and do not promise that every disputed passage will be removed.
Frequently asked questions
Does this policy protect only famous people?
No. Its care requirements apply to material about living people, including people mentioned in articles whose main subject is something else.
Can positive unsourced claims stay because they are flattering?
Positive claims still need to meet applicable sourcing and content standards. A biography should be accurate and balanced rather than a collection of unsupported praise.
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