In case you have missed it, the Wikimedia Foundation (WMF) has been laying
the groundwork for IP Masking for some time now. We have had to do this due
to changing norms and regulations on the internet
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IP_Editing:_Privacy_Enhancement_and_Abuse_Mitigation#What_is_IP_Masking_and_why_is_the_Wikimedia_Foundation_masking_IPs?>
.
Once IPs are masked, the addresses of editors who don't log in on Wikimedia
projects will be fully or partially hidden. Those who need IP access
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IP_Editing:_Privacy_Enhancement_and_Abuse_Mitigation#Q:_Following_implementation_of_IP_Masking,_who_will_be_able_to_see_IP_addresses?>
to
fight spam, vandalism, harassment and disinformation will still be able to
view them.
We have recently announced the implementation strategy
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IP_Editing:_Privacy_Enhancement_and_Abuse_Mitigation#Implementation_Strategy_and_next_steps_(25_February_2022)>
and
next steps for the project.
Community organisers who recruit, train and mentor Wikimedians, and want
more information on the changes this could bring to the identification of
anonymous editors, should please read and watch the IP Masking project page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IP_Editing:_Privacy_Enhancement_and_Abuse_Mitigation>
.
Best regards.
––
Sandister Tei <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:STei_(WMF)> (she/her)
Community Relations Specialist (Anti-Harassment & Trust and Safety)