@@ -1049,30 +1049,39 @@ data is still not enough for us to talk about a tendency towards introducing mor
...
@@ -1049,30 +1049,39 @@ data is still not enough for us to talk about a tendency towards introducing mor
\subsection{Types of edit filters}
\subsection{Types of edit filters}
\textbf{Hidden filters}
We can sort filters into categories along various criteria.
\subsubsection{Public and Hidden Filters}
The first noticeable typology is along the line public/private filters.
It is calling attention that nearly 2/3 of all edit filters are not viewable by the general public.
The guidelines call for hiding filters ``only where necessary, such as in long-term abuse cases where the targeted user(s) could review a public filter and use that knowledge to circumvent it.''~\cite{Wikipedia:EditFilter}.
Further, they suggest caution in filter naming and giving just simple description of the overall disruptive behaviour rather than naming specificuser that is causing the disruptions.
(The later is not always complied with, there are indeed filters named after the accounts causing a disruption.)
Only edit filter editors (who have the \emph{abusefilter-modify} permission) and editors with the \emph{abusefilter-view-private} permission can view hidden filters.
The later is given to edit filter helpers - editors interested in helping with edit filters who still do not meet certain criteria in order to be granted the full \emph{abusefilter-modify} permission, editors working with edit filters on other wikis interested in learning from the filter system on English Wikipedia, and Sockpuppet investigation clerks~\cite{Wikipedia:EditFilterHelper}.
As of March 17, 2019, there are 16 edit filter helpers on EN Wikipedia~\footnote{\url{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:ListUsers/abusefilter-helper}}.
Also, all administrators are able to view hidden filters.
There is also a designated mailing list for discussing these: wikipedia-en-editfilters@lists.wikimedia.org.
It is specifically indicated that this is the communication channel to be used when dealing with harassment (by means of edit filters)~\cite{Wikipedia:EditFilter}.
It is signaled, that the mailing list is meant for sensitive cases only and all general discussions should be held on-wiki~\cite{Wikipedia:EditFilter}.
"Non-admins in good standing who wish to review a proposed but hidden filter may message the mailing list for details."
"Non-admins in good standing who wish to review a proposed but hidden filter may message the mailing list for details."
// what is "good standing"?
// what is "good standing"?
// what are the arguments for hiding a filter? --> particularly obnoctious vandals can see how their edits are being filtered and circumvent them; security through obscurity
// what are the arguments for hiding a filter? --> particularly obnoctious vandals can see how their edits are being filtered and circumvent them; security through obscurity
"Filters should only be hidden where necessary, such as in long-term abuse cases where the targeted user(s) could review a public filter and use that knowledge to circumvent it. Filters should not generally be named after abusive editors, but rather with a simple description of the type of abuse, provided not too much information is given away."
// are users still informed if their edit triggers a hidden filter? - most certainly; the warnings logic has nothing to do with whether the filter is hidden or not
// are users still informed if their edit triggers a hidden filter?
"For all filters, including those hidden from public view, a brief description of what the rule targets is displayed in the log, the list of active filters, and in any error messages generated by the filter. "
"For all filters, including those hidden from public view, a brief description of what the rule targets is displayed in the log, the list of active filters, and in any error messages generated by the filter. " //yeah, well, that's the public comment, aka name of the filter
"Be careful not to test sensitive parts of private filters in a public test filter (such as Filter 1): use a private test filter (for example Filter 2) if testing is required."
"Be careful not to test sensitive parts of private filters in a public test filter (such as Filter 1): use a private test filter (for example Filter 2) if testing is required."
"If it would not be desirable to discuss the need for a given edit filter on-wiki, such as where the purpose of the filter is to combat harassment by an abusive banned user who is likely to come across the details of the request, edit filter managers can be emailed directly or on the wikipedia-en-editfilters mailing list at wikipedia-en-editfilters@lists.wikimedia.org."
