Commons:Deletion requests
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Deletion requests in other languages: |
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This page is for deletion requests where users request the deletion of media files or pages. This is for requests which require legal input or community discussion prior to eventual deletion. Obvious copyright violations, duplicate images, and incorrectly-named images should be handled through the speedy deletion process rather than listed here.
Please note: The procedures on this page differ significantly from those of other Wikimedia projects such as the English Wikipedia's Images and media for deletion. Please read the following instructions carefully. If this page appears out-of-date, purge the server cache.
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Overview
Anyone can comment on the deletion requests posted here, and can express an opinion as to whether a particular file should be kept or deleted. Please give reasons for your opinion, preferably based on your knowledge of:
- any binding copyright law;
- the applicability of any relevant Commons policies, for example Commons:Deletion policy, Commons:Project scope or Commons:Photographs of identifiable people; or
- any relevant facts such as date or place of publication, author, date of author's death and so on.
Once an administrator has sufficient information to come to a decision, the deletion request will be closed and the file either deleted or flagged as kept. In clear cases this might happen within a few hours, but more complicated cases can remain open for weeks or even months.
Where the decision to delete is an obvious one (eg the file is an obvious copyright violation or is otherwise speedy deletable) the deletion request may be closed immediately. Less clear cases should remain open for at least seven days.
The debates are not votes, and the closing admin will apply copyright law and Commons policy to the best of his or her ability in determining whether the file should be deleted or kept. Any expressed consensus will be taken into account so far as possible, but consensus can never trump copyright law nor can it override Commons Policy.
Deletion requests are not the place to attempt to change Commons policy, nor may requests be made simply to make a point. Any such requests may be speedily closed. Please use the Village Pump or the policy talk page if you wish to propose a change in policy.
How to list deletion requests
Note: Do not directly list at "Commons:Deletion requests".
Files for speedy deletion should not be listed on this page. See Commons:Deletion requests/Speedy deletion. If the image is a duplicate, or was uploaded under the wrong file name, use {{duplicate}} or {{badname}}.
- You can nominate individual media files directly by going to the image description page and clicking on "Nominate for deletion" in the toolbox on the left. If you prefer to list the request manually, see Commons:Deletion requests/listing a request manually.
- To request deletion of multiple files (mass nomination), see Commons:Deletion requests/Mass deletion request.
Appeal
If you disagree with an admin's decision to delete a file, or not to delete it, you should first set out your reasons on the admin's talk page and ask for reconsideration. If the admin declines to reverse the decision, you can request a review by other admins on Commons:Undeletion requests. Bear in mind, though, that admins cannot ignore Commons policies nor any applicable copyright law even if a majority of users expressing opinions want them to do so.
Instructions for administrators
In general, requests can be closed by an administrator after seven days. Deletion requests for obvious copyright violations can be closed earlier. Problematic or complex requests (such as highly used templates) can wait longer - even for several months if necessary. Non-admins may close a deletion request as keep if they have a good understanding of the process, and provided the closure is not controversial. If in doubt, don't do it.
Administrators are encouraged to check whether the uploader was notified on their talk page of the pending deletion request (unless the image is an obvious violation, in which case the image can be speedy deleted).
How to close the discussion
Note: The easiest way is to use DelReqHandler available as a gadget under "my preferences" (Firefox only).
- Add {{delh}} just above the header.
- Then add a line using ---- at the bottom of the request.
- Write the concluding statement (Deleted, Kept, Redirect, Merged, etc) and possibly an explanation. Sign.
- Then add {{delf}} at the bottom of the request.
See this example.
Deletion requests
Archived requests
- Archived requests. Archived requests and discussions.
Open requests
- Here is a list of the monthly logs which still have open deletion requests. Anything older than 7 days may be closed. Obvious closures (eg speedy deletions) may be done earlier.
Latest requests to be closed
- These are the newest deletion requests which are eligible to be closed. For more, see Commons:Deletion requests/Older Discussions.
Most recent deletion requests
- These are the deletion requests from the past week, and are eligible to be closed only if the decision to close is obvious (eg requests which should have been filed as speedy deletions). If not obvious, or if more discussion would be valuable, these should be left until at least seven days have elapsed.