Wikipedia:Contributor copyright investigations
![]() |
This page has a backlog that requires the attention of willing editors. Please remove this notice if and when the backlog is cleared. |
Contributor copyright investigations is a process intended to identify users who have repeatedly introduced copyright violations into many articles or uploaded many copyrighted images, typically over a long period of time, and to systematically remove this infringing material. The process begins with the filing of a CCI by an editor who notices a large-scale pattern of copyright violation by an individual contributor, and if approved, will lead to a survey of their complete contributions followed by removal of any material suspected to be infringing. This process is intended only for large-scale systematic copyright violations. To list individual media files or articles for evaluation, see Wikipedia:Copyright problems or Wikipedia:Files for discussion, however, attempting resolution is not required prior to filing a CCI request. ContentsWhen and how should a CCI be started?[edit]As a rule of thumb, at least five instances of clear copyvios (copy/pasting of unlicensed third party material; clear derivative works) should be required to file a case. There are no other requirements for filing a CCI request. A new case should be filed using the template {{subst:CCI-request}}, which is to be placed underneath the requests header below. {{subst:CCI-request |user = the user subject to the CCI |evidence = your reasoning for opening the case }} Remember to remain civil. Some contributors violate copyright from misunderstanding of copyright policies or laws. While it may be necessary to intervene to prevent future copyright issues, it is not helpful to treat individuals listed here discourteously. Good faith requests are welcome even if they should prove mistaken. However, please remember that this is a serious allegation and should not be made without evidence. Requests without evidence may be interpreted as harassment. After submitting a case, notify the contributor by adding Review of CCI requests[edit]Following a CCI request, a CCI clerk or admins will determine whether concerns are substantiated based on the evidence presented and the response of the editor who is the subject of the CCI. Non-admin clerks may request admin review of deleted contribs where necessary. If a user has requested evaluation of your contributions here, please remember that the purpose of this process is not to harass or embarrass you, but to ensure that Wikipedia remains compliant with copyright laws. If you believe that your contributions have not constituted a copyright problem under Wikipedia's policies, please succinctly provide your rationale. If it should prove that the contributor who made the request is mistaken, this will be noted and the section archived. If, on the other hand, concerns are substantiated, you may best demonstrate a willingness to comply with copyright policies by helping to identify and address problems. Clerks/admins will determine whether the evidence presented warrants the review of all of contributions of the involved editor. If not, the CCI request will be moved to the archive subpage. Accepted cases[edit]Accepted cases will lead to a contributor survey. A clerk or uninvolved admin will create the appropriate Contributor survey subpage and populate the contribution data. Open cases are listed below on this page. If contributors have been shown to have a history of extensive copyright violation, it may be assumed without further evidence that all of their major contributions are copyright violations, and they may be removed indiscriminately, in accordance with Wikipedia:Copyright violations. When such indiscriminate removal may be controversial or cause considerable collateral damage, an effort will be made to assemble a volunteer force sufficient to evaluate problematic contributions. If insufficient volunteers are available to manage clean-up, presumptive wholesale removal may be the only choice. To participate in clean up, follow the link to its listing page. All contributors with no history of copyright problems are welcome to contribute to clean up. Additionally, contributors listed are encouraged to contribute to clean up of their own materials. The affected editor should not expect to receive individual notices of articles or images that are deleted or blanked for copyright concerns in the course of a CCI. The After completion, the CCI case will be moved to the archive subpage. Requests[edit]Please add any suspected infringers to the FOOT of the list below, following the format at How should a case be filed? above. A CCI clerk or administrator will review your request according to the instructions, then either open the case or close it.
Open investigations[edit]Only clerks or administrators should add or remove listings in this section. Proposed investigations should be listed in the section above. All contributors with no history of copyright problems are welcome to contribute to clean up. Additionally, contributors listed are encouraged to contribute to clean up of their own materials. New listings should mention the date they were opened, and listed in the order they are opened. Overview of rough stats here. Closed investigations[edit]All closed investigations, as well as requests that were declined, can be found at Wikipedia:Contributor copyright investigations/Archive. Templates[edit]
[edit]Put new listings under investigation requests, above. |