Wukipedia:IP block exemption

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 editors in this way, using a hard block, 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 12 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 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

You need to contact an administrator.