WickedGov:Username policy

Usernames are the names that registered users use to create an account. A username does not have to match a user's real name.

Most types of usernames are permitted, but there are some restrictions. Usernames may also be changed—this process is called renaming users.

Prohibited usernames

These usernames will usually be blocked on sight.

Disruptive usernames

Do not use a username that:

• Is profane, offensive, violent, or sexually explicit.
• Encourages or condones acts which are considered by most societies to be illegal or severely immoral.
• Suggests an intent to vandalize or disrupt WickedGov or to violate any policy.
• Clearly shows that you are not here to improve WickedGov.

These usernames will be blocked, and they may be suppressed if they are grossly offensive and there is no compelling editorial reason to keep them.

Usernames that suggest role accounts

Do not use a username that suggests your account is a role account. Role accounts are accounts used by a group or organization, rather than by one person. With very limited exceptions, role accounts are prohibited on WickedGov.

Misleading usernames

Do not use a username:

• That suggests you hold advanced privileges on WickedGov. Prohibited terms include, but are not limited to, admin, sysop, bot (except for actual bot accounts), and bureaucrat.
• That looks misleadingly like an IP address.
• That impersonates another user.
• That suggests that you are someone you are not. Generally, usernames named after well-known people will be blocked until evidence of identity is provided.

Usernames that reveal personal information

Do not use a username that reveals non-public personal information about another person. If you are a minor, do not use a username that reveals any personal information about you.

These usernames will usually be blocked and suppressed (hidden from public view).

Libelous and derogatory usernames

Do not use a username that makes derogatory, false, or misleading statements about another person, organization, or group.

These usernames will usually be blocked and suppressed (hidden from public view).

Renaming users

Bureaucrats have the technical ability to rename user accounts.

User renames are conducted only upon request by the user to be renamed or when the usurpation criteria are met. Forcible renames due to inappropriate usernames are not permitted.

Process for requesting user renames

User renames can normally be requested at the bureaucrats' noticeboard.

To check if a username has been taken, search the list of registered usernames.

Usurpation of existing usernames

In limited circumstances, users may be renamed to an existing username. This process is called usurpation. Usurpation is permitted only if the following criteria are all met:

• The target username has no or very few edits or logged actions.
• The target username has zero edits or logged actions in a long time (at least 3 years).
• The target user has been contacted on the user's talk page and has not made an objection to the usurpation for 7 days.
• The requesting user is in good standing (i.e. not blocked, not recently blocked, and not under sanctions).
• A bureaucrat is reasonably assured that the requesting user will be active in constructive editing after the usurpation.