Partial block model policy

(English) This is an essay. It expresses the opinions and ideas of some Wikimedians but may not have wide support. This is not policy on Meta, but it may be a policy or guideline on other Wikimedia projects. Feel free to update this page as needed, or use the discussion page to propose major changes.

Partial block model policy

Partial blocking is the method by which administrators prevent users from editing specific sections of Wikimedia wikis. Partial blocking is a technical feature of the software used to prevent damage or disruption to the wiki. If the administrator deems it possible to obtain the same project protection through the application of a partial block it can be used as an alternative measure to a full site block. In the case of continuous harmful contributions, a partial block can be changed into a full site block.

A partial block can stop the ability to change:

individual pages or entries;
all pages of one or more namespaces.

The block can be applied to:

registered users;
anonymous IP addresses;
anonymous proxies;
groups of IP addresses.

A partial block can be imposed for a specified time, indefinitely or permanently.

When to use

Partial block, like full site block, is a tool to protect the wiki, its basic principles and to safeguard the serenity of the collaborative work environment. They do not therefore represent a form of punishment for personal opinions or issues that are outside the scope of policies and guidelines.

If the administrator deems it possible to obtain the same project protection through the application of a partial block it can be used as an alternative measure to a full site block.

The use of partial block is delegated to administrators according to the rules set by the community.

An administrator might decide to set a partial block after reviewing a report made about a user not following policies.
A group of users on a noticeboard or an Arbitration Committee can decide to use a partial block.
Or instead of doing a full sitewide block, an administrator might set a short term partial block of a user who is edit warring or making other unconstructive edits on one or a few pages on the wiki.

Effects of the block

The presence of any partial block does not prevent the reading of pages. When a contributor attempts to make an action that modifies the wiki then a message is presented with the reasons justifying the block and giving information on how to request an unblock.

The partial block is automatically deleted by the system when the period indicated at the time of the block has expired, which can be one of the predefined options from the drop-down menu or a duration set by hand by the administrator. Blocks with "undefined" or "infinite" duration do not expire and remain active until explicitly deleted.

Partial blocks are registered in the Block Log and can be viewed by all users.

Unblock request or appeal

Contributors who consider that their block was made by mistake, or who are prepared to stop the behaviour that led to their block, can request to be unblocked according to the process given in the block message. Contributors who want to appeal the partial block can make a request for another administrator to review the block.

Customized versions of partial block policy

Also see these local policies for ways that communities have customized the policy work in their community.

This model policy is adapted from Italian, Dutch and French local policies.