It is a common perception – based on our claim of being the encyclopedia anyone can edit – that Wikipedia welcomes all editors. There is also a misconception that because maintaining a neutral point of view is one of Wikipedia's five fundamental principles, administrators would be acting contrary to this if they blocked a pedophilic editor upon learning of their identification or off-wiki advocacy. Because of this, many pedophiles (offending or non-offending), and pedophile enablers. – believe they are welcome to edit Wikipedia so long as they stick to the letter of our policies. This belief is false. Pedophiles and pedophile enablers are not only unwelcome here on Wikipedia; they are usually indefinitely blocked on sight if they express their ideas on or off-wiki.
Unacceptable pro-pedophile beliefs and behaviors
- The belief that sexual relationships between adults and children are not inherently harmful to children.
- Identifying as a pedophile on or off-wiki, regardless of intention.
- Engaging in illegal activities related to children on or off-wiki.
- The belief that pedophilia is a sexual orientation that should be destigmatized.
Effects of allowing pedophiles to edit Wikipedia
The five previously listed blockable beliefs a Wikipedia editor might have are not controversial to most editors, except for the belief that non-offending pedophiles should be allowed to edit Wikipedia. Some editors believe that pedophiles are perfectly capable of editing Wikipedia as long as they are non-offending. This belief is false for many reasons.
- Children as young as 10 edit Wikipedia. It would be inappropriate to allow a pedophile to privately contact them.
- Non-offending pedophiles are highly prone to radicalization by offending pedophiles.
- Our email facility could easily be used to facilitate child porn or child sexual abuse.
- A 2023 survey of Australian men found that 40% of all men sexually attracted to minors have acted on their desires.
Blocking
If an editor is discovered to be holding any of these beliefs they are usually blocked on sight.
Reporting
If you suspect that an editor holds any of these unacceptable beliefs, send the arbitration committee an email. Allegations of pedophilia on-wiki will be suppressed promptly.