Editing Encyclopedia:Username policy (section)

=== Misleading usernames ===
{{Anchor|misleading}}
{{policy shortcut|WP:MISLEADNAME}}
'''The following types of usernames are not permitted''' because they may be '''misleading''' in a way that disrupts the project:
*Usernames that impersonate other people (see {{slink||Real names}} and {{slink||Similar usernames}} below).
*Usernames that give the impression that the account has [[WP:User access levels|permissions]] that it does not have; e.g. by containing the terms [[Wikipedia:Administrators|{{!xt|administrator}}]], [[Wikipedia:Bureaucrats|{{!xt|bureaucrat}}]], [[m:Stewards|{{!xt|steward}}]], [[m:CheckUser policy|{{!xt|checkuser}}]], [[m:Hiding revisions|{{!xt|oversight}}]], or similar terms, such as {{!xt|admin}}, {{!xt|sysop}}, or {{!xt|moderator}}.
*Usernames that imply that the account has explicit ownership of certain articles, content, or topic areas, or that they have any kind of "power", "command", "control", or "authority" over other editors, or that a different level of accountability and application of Wikipedia's [[WP:PG|policies and guidelines]] should be enforced (such as implying that certain policies do not apply to them).
*Usernames that could be easily misunderstood to refer to a "bot" (which is used to identify [[Wikipedia:Bot policy|bot accounts]]) or a "script" (which alludes to automated editing processes), unless the account is of that type; such as {{!xt|ABC Bot}}, {{!xt|XYZ script}}.
*Usernames that give the incorrect impression that the account is officially affiliated with the [[Wikimedia Foundation]]; e.g. {{!xt|Foo (WMF)}}, {{!xt|Bar (Wikimedia Foundation)}}
*Usernames that resemble IP addresses (as these are expected to designate non-logged-in users), timestamps, or other names which would be confusing within the Wikipedia [[Wikipedia:Signatures|signature]] format.
*Usernames that appear similar to naming conventions used by community administrative processes, such as those starting with ''Vanished user'' (see [[Wikipedia:Courtesy vanishing]]).

For accounts with usernames that are in this category, you should [[WP:AGF|assume good faith]] in cases where the username could be interpreted ambiguously. For example, a new user whose career is as a sysop might include that in their username, unaware of the policy prohibiting it. An attempt to discuss the username policy and concern with the user, and a request that they change their username should typically be attempted before considering further action. In cases where the violation of policy or the user's intent is clear, or likely created in bad faith, you should exhibit the use of [[WP:USE|common sense]] and  fair and level-headed judgment when determining the appropriate action to take. These clear violations should be reported by following the instructions on [[Wikipedia:Usernames for administrator attention]].