WikiJournal:Privacy policy
This policy explains what information is processed when the English-language edition of WikiJournal is used, why it is needed, and what choices users have. It applies to reading pages, creating an account, editing content, participating in discussions, and using the site's interfaces.
Effective date: 1 November 2026.
Information we process
When the site is accessed, the server automatically receives technical information such as the IP address, date and time of the request, requested address, browser and operating-system type, interface language, referring page, HTTP headers, session information, and error data. This information is required to deliver pages, diagnose faults, protect the site, and prevent abuse.
When an account is created or used, WikiJournal may process the username, email address if one is supplied, password hash, interface preferences, watchlist, authentication information, and active-session data. Passwords are not stored as plain text.
WikiJournal also receives information submitted directly by users, including edits, edit summaries, discussion messages, file metadata, messages sent to the administration, and other published content.
Public information
WikiJournal is an open wiki project. The text of an edit, the contributor's username, the time of the edit, and its summary are retained in the page history and are normally visible to everyone. Actions recorded in MediaWiki logs may also be public. If a section permits editing without registration, an IP address or a system-generated temporary account may be displayed instead of a registered username.
Do not publish information that must remain confidential. Contributors are responsible for the material they submit and must respect the rights and privacy of other people. Personal information about another person should not be added without a lawful basis and their consent.
Cookies
The site uses cookies and similar data for sessions, account login, form security, selected language, and user preferences. Cookies can be disabled in the browser, but authentication and some site functions may then operate incorrectly.
Purposes of processing
Information is used to:
- display pages and operate MediaWiki features;
- create and maintain user accounts;
- preserve revision history and contributor attribution;
- prevent spam, intrusion, vandalism, and other abuse;
- diagnose errors and maintain server reliability and security;
- respond to enquiries and communicate with users;
- produce aggregated statistics about the operation of the project.
Disclosure of information
WikiJournal does not sell or rent users' personal information. The project administration, hosting provider, and technical contractors may access information to the extent required to operate and secure the site. Information may also be disclosed where required by law, by a valid request from an authorised body, or to protect the rights, security, and operation of the project.
Some images and other resources may be loaded from files.wikijournal.org, Wikimedia Commons, or another clearly identified external service. When this happens, the relevant server receives ordinary technical request data, including the IP address and browser information, and applies its own data-handling rules.
Retention
Technical logs and session information are retained for as long as necessary for security, diagnostics, and site operation. Account information is retained until it is removed or is no longer needed for the project. Revision histories, action logs, and published discussions may be retained for a long period because they preserve article integrity, transparency, and attribution. Backup copies are replaced as the backup cycle progresses.
User rights and choices
Registered users can view and modify available account information through their preferences. A user may ask the administration to correct inaccurate information, remove optional data, restrict its processing, or explain how it is used.
Closing an account does not necessarily remove public contributions: retaining the revision history may be required for attribution and the integrity of the wiki. In justified cases, administrators may suppress personal or other sensitive information from the publicly visible history.
Security
Technical and organisational measures are used to protect information, including access controls, encrypted connections, and software updates. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure. Users should choose a unique password and must not share their login details.
Changes to this policy
This policy may be updated when site functions, legal requirements, or data-handling practices change. The current version is always published on this page, and the date of a material update is shown at the beginning of the document.
Contact
Questions about privacy and requests concerning personal information may be left on the talk page of this policy or sent to the WikiJournal administration using the contact options available on the site. Do not include confidential information in a public message.