On Safer Internet Day, Wikimedia Australia reaffirms its commitment to building and participating in a safe, inclusive, and accessible online environment.

11 February 2025, Ali Smith.

Building a Safer Online Community

As we observe Safer Internet Day on 11 February, we reflect on the importance of online safety and the collective responsibility we share in creating a secure and positive digital environment. This year's theme emphasises the need for a safer and more inclusive internet for everyone, particularly for children and young people who are increasingly navigating online spaces. So it’s an opportunity to review and reflect on the policies introduced by the Wikimedia Foundation last year, and the related guidance and advice for children and adults, when using Wiki projects and online spaces.

Online Safety & the Universal Code of Conduct

Online safety encompasses various practices and principles designed to protect users from harm while using the internet. This includes safeguarding personal information, recognising and avoiding online threats, and fostering respectful interactions in digital communities.

The Universal Code of Conduct established by the Wikimedia Foundation serves as a guiding framework for Wikimedia Communities worldwide in maintaining a safe and respectful online environment. It emphasises the importance of:

• Respectful Communication: Users are encouraged to engage in constructive dialogue, valuing diverse perspectives while avoiding harassment and discrimination.
• Accountability: Individuals are responsible for their actions online, promoting a culture of transparency and integrity.
• Inclusivity: The code advocates for creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued, regardless of their background or identity.

Other key measures

In addition to the Universal Code of Conduct, Wikipedia protects its editors through several key measures:

1. User Anonymity: Users can edit anonymously, helping to protect their privacy.
2. Content Moderation: Volunteer editors monitor changes to quickly identify and revert vandalism.
3. Talk Pages: Each article has a talk page for discussions, promoting transparency and collaboration.
4. Blocking and Banning: Disruptive users can be blocked or banned to maintain a safe environment.
5. Guidelines and Policies: Established rules govern user behaviour, promoting respect and collaboration.  This includes the Wikimedia Foundation’s Combating Online Child Exploitation Policy (COCE policy).
6. Reporting Mechanisms: Users can report harassment or vandalism for swift action. Or if there is material that may violate the COCE policy then notify legal-reports@wikimedia.org
7. Educational Resources: Tutorials help new users edit responsibly and adhere to community standards. Information pages outline best safety practices.
8. Privacy Policy: A clear policy outlines how user data is handled and protected.
9. Secure Infrastructure: Wikipedia uses HTTPS to encrypt data, protecting against eavesdropping.

Wikimedia Australia's Safe Space Policy

Wikimedia Australia is dedicated to providing a welcoming experience for everyone and has implemented a Safe Space Policy that aligns with the Universal Code of Conduct. These guidelines for virtual and in-person Wikimedia community gatherings support and encourage positive and constructive experiences where all participants can engage without fear of harassment or discrimination. Key aspects of our policy include:

• Zero Tolerance for Harassment: Any form of harassment, bullying, or intimidation is strictly prohibited, ensuring that all users can participate freely and safely.
• Supportive Community: The policy encourages community members to support one another, fostering a culture of kindness and respect.
• Reporting Mechanisms: Clear procedures are in place for reporting incidents of harassment or unsafe behaviour, ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.

Social Media Ban for under-16s

Wikimedia Australia is actively responding to the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 and its potential impact on Wikimedia users under the age of 16 years. We have been engaging with key stakeholders to ensure our advocacy is well-informed and aligned with the broader goals of the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF).  

As part of this effort, we will deliver a briefing at RightsCon in Taipei in late February 2025, updating WMF staff and the Wikimedia community on our work to inform the Australian Government and the eSafety Commissioner about the bill’s implications. These include concerns about access to Wikimedia platforms for young contributors, the role of Wikimedia projects in digital literacy and education for students, and the broader effects of age restrictions on open knowledge sharing.

On Safer Internet Day, Wikimedia Australia reaffirms its commitment to building and participating in a safe, inclusive, and accessible online environment. Upholding the Universal Code of Conduct, advocating for informed policies, and supporting community safety measures are key to ensuring Wikimedia projects remain open and welcoming for all. Online safety is a shared responsibility, and we encourage everyone to take this opportunity to review safety guidelines, engage respectfully, and help create a more positive and secure digital space for sharing knowledge.

Links:

• WMAU Safe Space Policy
• WMAU Safe Space Policy Incident Report Form
• Wikimedia Foundation Trust and Safety team

Image credits:

• Girl with outer space imagination from NASA by NASA/Jenny Mottar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons