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.
If you want more information about the changes please read and watch the IP
Masking project page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/IP_Editing:_Privacy_Enhancement_and_Abuse_Mitigation>
.
––
Sandister Tei (she/her)
Community Relations Specialist (Anti-Harassment & Trust and Safety)
meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:STei_(WMF)