Snapshot of the source text at fetch time, not a live mirror of the policy page.
Plain-English summary
The Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy highlights several important aspects for users. Any content contributed to Wikimedia Sites will be publicly and permanently available (data_use-1). Furthermore, users are informed that they may not use the Wikimedia Sites if they do not agree with the Privacy Policy (gotchas-1).
90% confidence
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Risk Flags
Critical issues that pose a material or hard-to-reverse risk to the user. These typically include significant privacy invasions, difficult paths to financial recovery, or clauses that weaken user rights in disputes.
Not clearly stated: No critical risks were clearly stated in the provided policy sections.
Data Use & Sharing
This section outlines how the company collects, uses, and shares your personal information. It details the types of data gathered, the purposes for its use, and who it might be shared with, including third parties. This information is crucial for understanding the extent of your data privacy.
Not clearly stated: No other data use concerns were clearly stated in the provided policy sections.
medium95% confidence
Public and permanent availability of content
Any content added or changes made to a Wikimedia Site will be publicly and permanently available.
Why it matters: Users should be aware that any content they contribute or changes they make on the Wikimedia Sites will be accessible to the public indefinitely.
Any content you add or any change that you make to a Wikimedia Site will be [publicly and permanently available](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy#your-public-contribs "Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy").
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 10 · Citation strength: strong
Cancellation & Renewal
This section explains the terms and conditions related to canceling services or accounts, and how subscriptions or agreements are renewed. It details any notice requirements, refund policies, and potential penalties or fees associated with termination. This is important for understanding your obligations and rights when discontinuing service.
Not clearly stated: No cancellation or renewal concerns were clearly stated in the provided policy sections.
Gotchas
Unexpected or subtle clauses that might limit user rights, impose obligations, or lead to disadvantages. These often include disclaimers, waivers of liability, or conditions that are not immediately apparent.
Not clearly stated: No other gotchas were clearly stated in the provided policy sections.
medium90% confidence
Continued use implies agreement to policy
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, you may not use the Wikimedia Sites.
Why it matters: Users must agree to the Privacy Policy to use the Wikimedia Sites, meaning continued use without agreement is not permitted.
For the protection of the Wikimedia Foundation and other users, if you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, you may not use the Wikimedia Sites.
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 10 · Citation strength: strong
Protections
These clauses are commitments or features that benefit the user, offering safeguards, choices, or clear communication about their rights and data.
Not clearly stated: No other protections were clearly stated in the provided policy sections.
Protection95% confidence
Option to use Wikimedia Sites without account registration
Users may read, edit, or use any Wikimedia Site without registering an account.
Why it helps: This allows users to engage with the Wikimedia Sites and participate in the free knowledge movement without requiring them to provide personal information.
Read, edit, or use any Wikimedia Site [without registering an account](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy#your-account-info "Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy").
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 4 · Citation strength: strong
Protection95% confidence
Account registration without email or real name
Users can register for an account without providing an email address or real name.
Why it helps: This enhances privacy by allowing users to create an account and contribute anonymously, without disclosing personal identifiers.
Register for an account [without providing](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy#your-account-info "Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy") an email address or real name.
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 4 · Citation strength: strong
Protection95% confidence
Information is not sold or shared for marketing
The policy states that Wikimedia will never sell user information or share it with third parties for marketing purposes.
Why it helps: This provides a strong privacy protection by explicitly denying the sale or sharing of personal data for commercial marketing, reducing unwanted solicitations.
Never [selling](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy#donotsell "Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy") your information or sharing it with third parties for marketing purposes.
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 8 · Citation strength: strong
Protection90% confidence
Data retention for the shortest possible time
Data is retained for the shortest possible time consistent with maintaining, understanding, and improving Wikimedia Sites and legal obligations.
Why it helps: This commitment minimizes the risk of long-term data exposure and promotes data minimization best practices.
[Retaining your data](https://foundation.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy_policy#protection-duration "Special:MyLanguage/Policy:Privacy policy") for the shortest possible time that is consistent with maintaining, understanding, and improving the Wikimedia Sites, and our obligations under applicable law.
Wikimedia Foundation Privacy Policy, paragraph 8 · Citation strength: strong
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