Hi everyone,
We are excited to announce that v6.4.0 is now live on Google Play!
What's new? 🚀
- Users can now crop their images during the upload process without
leaving the app
- Several bug fixes and stability improvements
Please feel free to test the latest changes and report any issues you face
with v6.4.0 at https://github.com/commons-app/apps-android-commons/issues.
Best,
Ritika
Hi Folks,
There is an active proposal on the Commons Village pump that could
significantly change how video uploads are handled, and your input is
needed.
🎬 The Proposal: Allow the Upload Wizard to automatically convert MP4 to
WebM
Currently, uploading MP4 files to Commons can be a hurdle due to patent
restrictions, often requiring uploaders to use third-party tools like
video2commons to convert files. The Wiki Med team has developed a new
capability that would automatically handle this conversion directly inside
the Upload Wizard, making the process much smoother.
There are currently a few different approaches being discussed and voted on:
* Option 1: Auto-conversion – Convert the MP4 to WebM during upload and
discard the original patented file.
* Option 2: Direct MP4 Uploads – Allow users to upload MP4s directly,
retaining the original file for the future (when patents expire) but
transcoding it to WebM or another free format for viewing, similar to how
TIFF files are handled.
Whether you are passionate about user experience, concerned about software
patents and open formats, or just want an easier way to upload educational
videos, the community needs your perspective.
Head over to the proposal, review the technical and legal discussions, and
cast your vote!
🔗 Read the proposal and vote here:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Village_pump/Proposals#Allow_the…
Sincerely,
Butch Bustria
Hi everyone,
We are thrilled to announce that v6.3.0 is now available on Google Play!
What's new? 🚀
* Caption and description are now accessible on all screen sizes
* Custom author name no longer results into invalid URLs on Commons and redirect to the actual user profile
* Bug fixes and stability improvements
Please feel free to test the latest changes and report any issues you face with v6.3.0 at https://github.com/commons-app/apps-android-commons/issues.
Best,
Ritika
Dear Wikimedians,
We are excited to announce that Wiki Loves Africa 2026
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026>
officially started on 1 March 2026!
Wiki Loves Africa
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa> is the
annual pan-African photography, video, and audio contest that invites
people across the continent to contribute media that reflects African life,
culture, and heritage to Wikimedia Commons for use on Wikipedia and other
Wikimedia projects.
As part of the campaign kickoff, the official Wiki Loves Africa 2026 Launch
Event
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026_Contest_Launch>
was held on 5 March 2026 in collaboration with the Wiki Loves Africa
international
team
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Media#Int…>
and the Wiki Loves Africa 2026 Ambassadors
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Media#Wik…>
.
The launch event brought together over 80 participants from across Africa,
including contributors, past jury members, past and present organisers, and
previous winners of the competition. The event introduced the 2026
campaign, shared participation guidelines, and highlighted opportunities
for communities and contributors to get involved this year.
The session was lively and interactive, featuring icebreakers, a live quiz,
and music, which created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere while
reconnecting members of the Wiki Loves Africa community across the
continent.
If you missed the event or would like to watch it again, the recording of
the launch is available here
<https://youtu.be/7Ud1MntP934?si=bL5BPdk884u5eWbg>.
We warmly invite you to participate in Wiki Loves Africa 2026 under the
theme *Rites and Rituals
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Theme>*
by submitting photos, videos, or audios to Wikimedia Commons and by
supporting activities happening in your local communities
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Wiki_Loves_Africa_2026/Countries>
.
Join us in documenting and sharing Africa’s rich cultures, traditions, and
everyday life with the world.
Warm regards, Hilary Ogali
Wiki Loves Africa Facilitator
Hello,
On 24 March at 13:30 is the next Global GLAM Call — I hope you will join!
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Event:Global_GLAM_call_2026-03-24
This month’s call will be hosted by Lutherking Petercan and features topics
such as an introduction to the new Pattypan release 26.02, Metrics on
Wikimedia platforms, the IGO Partnerships with the Content Partnerships
Hub, and a new GLAM project in Venezuela!
This call will also feature simultaneous interpretation between spanish and
english!
Hope to see you online,
Connor
Dear all,
I would like to invite you to review and comment on a proposal currently open at the Commons Village Pump regarding file move workflows on Wikimedia Commons.
The proposal suggests allowing the file mover user group to delete single-revision redirects when they block a file move. The idea is limited to redirects with only one revision and would apply only during the move process, helping reduce routine administrative requests and making file renaming more efficient.
You can read and participate in the discussion here: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Village_pump/Proposals#Proposal:…
Your feedback, questions, or concerns would be very valuable for determining whether there is community support for this change.
Thank you for your time and participation.
Regards,
User:ZI Jony
As a researcher, I came across a highly intensive and inclusive book called
"The Internet Ecosystem". The book englobes the whole Internet history. I
have just completed the reading, I will highly recommend it and it has
useful information. The book was reviewed by Vint Cerf, the founder of the
Internet. Use: *INTECO10 *coupon code to get the book at a discounted
price. You will find more information in the email below.
Professor Peter Anderson
Head of Research
------------------------------
*From:* Nikesh B. Simmandree <nikeshbs(a)outlook.com>
*Sent:* Monday, August 18, 2025 1:35 PM
*To:* alac-announce(a)icann.org <alac-announce(a)icann.org>; alac(a)icann.org <
alac(a)icann.org>; at-large(a)icann.org <at-large(a)icann.org>;
afri-discuss(a)icann.org <afri-discuss(a)icann.org>
*Subject:* Launch of The Internet Ecosystem Book
Dear Community,
I am thrilled to announce the launch of my book, *The Internet Ecosystem* —
a comprehensive exploration of the history, architecture, governance, and
future of the Internet.
This book distills decades of technological evolution — from ARPANET and
packet switching, to AI, Web3, quantum networks, and beyond — into a clear,
engaging narrative accessible to both technical and non-technical readers
*What the Book Covers*
- *The Past:* How Cold War research, ARPANET, and packet switching gave
birth to the Internet we know today.
- *The Present:* The intricate roles of ISPs, backbone providers, cloud
infrastructure, AI, cybersecurity, and global governance shaping our daily
online experiences.
- *The Future:* Insights into 5G/6G, blockchain, immersive technologies,
quantum security, and the Internet in 2050.
With *49 detailed chapters*, the book provides a definitive yet
approachable reference for students, professionals, policymakers, and
curious readers alike.
My mission with *The Internet Ecosystem* is to make the Internet’s
complexity understandable — showing not only *how* the Internet works, but
also *why* it matters and has become one of the most transformative human
inventions — while sparking dialogue on how we build a secure, inclusive,
and sustainable digital future.
In the 21st century, understanding the Internet is not optional — it’s
essential. Whether you’re a business leader, policymaker, educator,
student, or everyday Internet user, this book provides the context and
clarity you need to navigate the opportunities and challenges of our
connected world.
*Get Your Copy*
*The Internet Ecosystem* is now available: https://payhip.com/b/hfvYg
Thank you,
Best Regards,
Nikesh B. Simmandree
Hello all,
Nominations are now open for the Commons Photographers User Group Board
Elections 2026.
Six (6) board positions will be filled. Eligible members (joined on or
before 15 November 2025 with at least 100 meaningful contributions on
Wikimedia Commons) may self-nominate.
The nomination period runs from *February 1 (00:00) UTC to February 15
(23:59) UTC.*
Full details and submission instructions are available on the election page
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Commons_Photographers_User_Group…>
.
Learn more about the candidates by reading their statements
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Commons_Photographers_User_Group…>
.
Best regards,
Dev Jadiya
On behalf of Election Committee
Commons Photographers User Group
Dear Wikimedia communities,
We hope you are doing well, and we wish you a happy New Year.
Last year, we captured light. This year, we’ll capture legacy.
In 2025, communities around the world shared the glow of Ramadan nights and
the warmth of collective iftars. In 2026, Wiki Loves Ramadan is expanding,
bringing more stories, more cultures, and deeper global connections across
Wikimedia projects.
We invite you to explore the Wiki Loves Ramadan 2026 Meta page to learn how
you can participate and to sign up your community: https://w.wiki/Fzht
📷 Photo campaign on Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/Gz5H
If you have questions about the project, please refer to the FAQs:
-
Meta-Wiki: https://w.wiki/HVaz
-
Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/HRDL
Early registration for the update is now open via the Event page:
https://w.wiki/HVax
Stay connected and receive updates:
-
Join the Telegram channel: https://t.me/WikiLovesRamadan
-
Subscribe to the mailing list:
https://lists.wikimedia.org/postorius/lists/wikilovesramadan.lists.wikimedi…
We look forward to collaborating with you and your community.
Best regards,
The Wiki Loves Ramadan 2026 Organizing Team