Can You Delete a Wikipedia Page About Yourself? Step-by-Step 2025 Guide

As someone who wrote a bit about the manipulation of public records, I can tell you that finding a biography of yourself online can be a strange experience. Finding a Wikipedia page about yourself can be unsettling, especially when it contains outdated or inaccurate information. While you might assume you can simply remove it, the reality is more complicated. This guide walks you through the processes, requirements, and alternatives available in 2025 for handling a Wikipedia page about yourself.

Understanding Wikipedia’s Deletion Framework

Wikipedia operates on three core principles that guide all deletion decisions: notability, verifiability, and neutrality. These are not suggestions, they are non-negotiable requirements that administrators strictly enforce. Think of them as the constitution of this little digital republic.

For more detailed guidelines on deletion, see Wikipedia’s Guide to deletion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Guide_to_deletion) and the Deletion policy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Deletion_policy).

For biographies specifically, Wikipedia applies even stricter standards through its Biographies of Living Persons (BLP) policy. This policy requires higher-quality sourcing and places greater emphasis on protecting individuals from potentially harmful content.

The platform’s purpose is to maintain encyclopedic content, not accommodate personal preferences. This means your desire to have content removed must align with Wikipedia’s established policies to be considered valid.

Who Can Actually Request Wikipedia Page Deletion

Anyone can propose the deletion of a Wikipedia page, including the subject of the article. However, this does not mean your request will be approved automatically. Wikipedia evaluates deletion requests based on policy violations, not personal preference.

Public figures, politicians, celebrities, business leaders, generally cannot opt out of having Wikipedia pages. Their notability makes their biographies encyclopedically relevant. However, private individuals with marginal notability may have stronger grounds for deletion requests, especially if their page lacks substantial independent sources 14.

To prevent impersonation, Wikipedia requires identity verification for subjects requesting deletion of their own biographies, typically through confidential channels with administrators.

Assessment Phase: Evaluate Your Page’s Status

Notability Requirements

Notability is the primary factor in determining whether your Wikipedia page should exist. Evaluate your page against these criteria:

• Significant coverage: Your topic must be directly and substantially discussed in multiple sources
• Reliable sources: Content must come from publications with editorial oversight
• Independent sources: Coverage cannot primarily come from self-published or affiliated sources

Sources that don’t count toward notability include:

• Press releases or promotional materials
• Self-published blogs or websites
• Passing mentions in articles about other topics
• Content that appears to be paid or sponsored

Policy Violations Documentation

Beyond notability issues, document specific Wikipedia policy breaches. It reminds me of a simple principle: if you cannot prove it with a solid source, it’s just a rumor, and rumors belong in back alleys, not an encyclopedia.

For biographies, unsourced negative content is particularly problematic and violates Wikipedia’s living persons policies. Document these instances specifically.

The Four Wikipedia Deletion Methods

Wikipedia offers four main deletion pathways. Select the one that best fits your situation:

Method 1: Speedy Deletion for Self-Created Content

Timeline: Few hours to few days from submission to deletion
Success Rate: Nearly 100% when criteria are met

If you created the page yourself and no other editors have substantially modified it, you can request speedy deletion.

Requirements:

• You must be the original page creator
• No significant contributions from other editors
• Page lacks encyclopedic merit

Process:

1. Add {{db-author}} tag at the top of the page
2. Include reason: “I am the creator of this article and request its deletion”
3. An administrator will review within 1-3 days 12

Method 2: Courtesy Deletion for Marginal Public Figures

Timeline: Few days to one week after request
Success Rate: High for non-public figures with minimal sourcing

For individuals with limited public presence, Wikipedia may grant a courtesy deletion.

Requirements:

• Subject is not a major public figure
• Page has minimal sources or notability
• Identity verification is completed

Identity Verification Process:

• Contact privacy@wikimedia.org for specific requirements
• Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or passport) may be requested
• Wikimedia uses HTTPS encryption and access control procedures
• Only authorized Wikimedia Foundation privacy team staff review submissions

Process:

1. Email info-en@wikimedia.org to submit a formal request
2. Provide identity verification (privately)
3. Explain why the page fails notability requirements 14

Method 3: Proposed Deletion for Unsourced Pages

Timeline: Up to 7 days from tagging; deletion on day 8 if unopposed
Success Rate: Near 100% if unopposed within the 7-day period

For pages with significant sourcing problems, the proposed deletion process offers a 7-day review.

Requirements:

• Page lacks reliable, independent sources
• Content is largely unsourced or poorly sourced

Process:

1. Add {{subst:prod blp|reason=*reason*}} tag (e.g., “lacks reliable independent sources”)
2. Wait 7 days, if no editor objects, an administrator deletes the page 59
3. If contested, it proceeds to Articles for Deletion

Method 4: Articles for Deletion Discussion

Timeline: Minimum 7-day discussion period
Success Rate: Approximately 60-64% of nominated articles are deleted

For contentious cases where other methods fail:

Requirements:

• Detailed policy-based rationale for deletion
• Willingness to participate in public discussion

Process:

1. Create an Articles for Deletion nomination
2. Present evidence of policy violations
3. Engage in a 7-day community discussion
4. An administrator closes the discussion based on consensus

Critical Success Factors:

• Early “delete” votes increase deletion likelihood to 84.5%
• Strong policy citations significantly influence outcomes
• Independent, reliable sources dramatically increase retention chances

Professional Service Options

Professional Wikipedia services can help handle deletion procedures:

Service Capabilities

• Document notability issues
• Prepare policy-based deletion requests
• Handle appeal processes
• Handle communication with administrators

Cost Structure

Services like reputn.com typically include one year of free support after initial work, with continued support requiring additional fees. Success-based fees are rare due to unpredictable Wikipedia moderation.

Potential Risks of Failed Deletion Attempts

Before proceeding with Articles for Deletion, understand these significant consequences of failed attempts:

The Streisand Effect

Failed deletion attempts often increase an article’s visibility, as efforts to remove content can unintentionally draw extra attention and make it more widely viewed.

Editorial Improvements

The AfD process attracts more editors to the article, some of whom may improve it by adding reliable sources and neutral language, making the page stronger and less likely to face future deletion.

Enhanced Protection

Once an article survives an AfD discussion, it becomes more challenging to nominate for deletion again, as Wikipedia policies and community consensus favor keeping pages that have already undergone significant community review.

Public Scrutiny

Failed deletion attempts can result in public controversy or criticism, further increasing scrutiny on the article and potentially reinforcing its perceived notability.

Alternative Approaches to Full Deletion

If full deletion isn’t possible, consider these alternatives:

Content Improvement

• Focus on removing unsourced claims
• Add reliable references for factual information
• Request help from experienced editors

Specific Content Removal

• Unsourced negative content about living persons should be removed promptly
• Flag content with {{cn}} (citation needed) tags

Merging or Redirecting

If your standalone article isn’t notable but information is relevant to another topic:

• Use the {{merge}} template to suggest this approach
• Content may be preserved while removing the standalone page

Oversight Requests

For genuinely harmful information (such as private contact details):

• Email oversight-en@wikipedia.org for private information removal
• Reserved for truly sensitive personal data

Common Mistakes That Prevent Successful Deletion

To avoid your request being sent down the memory hole, avoid these frequent errors:

1. Arguing based on dislike rather than policy: Stating “I don’t like this page” is as effective as telling the Thought Police you were only thinking ironically.
   • Instead, argue something like, “This page violates Wikipedia’s verifiability policy.”
2. Insufficient documentation of policy violations: Vague claims without specific examples weaken your case.
3. Using inappropriate deletion methods: Don’t request speedy deletion for complex cases requiring discussion.
4. Editing wars or disruptive behavior: Repeatedly removing content yourself will likely result in blocks.
5. Emotional rather than policy-based arguments: Focus on objective policy violations, not personal feelings.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied

If your initial request is rejected:

Analyze the Rejection

• Understand which policies were cited for keeping the page
• Identify specific objections from the community or administrators

Appeals Timeline

• AfD decisions: Wait 30 days before resubmission
• Courtesy deletions: Provide additional evidence of non-notability
• Speedy deletion: Appeals require admin intervention with no specific timeline

Improve Your Approach

• Address specific objections from the previous attempt
• Gather additional evidence of policy violations
• Consider a different deletion pathway

Legal Options and Limitations

When standard deletion processes fail, legal intervention may be appropriate in limited circumstances:

1. Defamation: For demonstrably false and damaging content
2. Copyright violation: For unauthorized use of your copyrighted material
3. Privacy breaches: For truly private information with no public interest justification

Process:

1. Document specific violations with evidence
2. Contact Wikimedia’s legal team at legal@wikimedia.org
3. Consider legal counsel specializing in online content issues

Important: Legal threats on Wikipedia itself will likely backfire, all communication about legal matters should go through official channels 11.

Preventing Future Wikipedia Pages

To minimize the chance of unwanted Wikipedia pages:

• Manage your public profile: Significant media attention may trigger page creation
• Monitor page creation: Set up Google Alerts for your name + Wikipedia
• Address issues early: Request corrections when pages first appear
• Know your rights: Understand Wikipedia’s BLP policy and when you can request removal of unsourced negative content

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I delete a Wikipedia page about myself?

You cannot directly delete a Wikipedia page about yourself. You can request deletion through established procedures if the page violates Wikipedia’s policies on notability, verifiability, or neutrality. Personal preference alone is not sufficient grounds for deletion.

2. How long does the deletion process take?

Timelines vary by method:

• Speedy Deletion: Few hours to few days
• Courtesy Deletion: Few days to one week
• Proposed Deletion: Up to 7 days (8th day deletion if unopposed)
• Articles for Deletion: Minimum 7 days, longer with appeals

3. What are my chances of success?

Success rates depend on the method and circumstances:

• Speedy Deletion: Nearly 100% when criteria are met
• Proposed Deletion: Near 100% if unopposed
• Articles for Deletion: 60-64% deletion rate overall
• Key factors: Lack of reliable sources, policy violations, non-public figure status

4. Can I edit my own Wikipedia page?

Yes, but with restrictions. You must disclose your connection, focus only on factual corrections with reliable sources, avoid promotional language, and consider using the Talk page for suggestions rather than direct edits.

Conclusion

Successfully deleting a Wikipedia page about yourself requires understanding the platform’s specific policies and following proper procedures. Focus on documenting policy violations, particularly notability gaps or verification issues, rather than arguing from personal preference.

For individuals who genuinely lack notability or whose pages contain significant policy violations, Wikipedia provides clear pathways to deletion. However, public figures with substantial independent coverage should expect their pages to remain, though with opportunities to improve accuracy and neutrality.

Professional services can assist with difficult cases, but expect costs ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for standard management. Be aware that failed deletion attempts can increase visibility and strengthen pages, making future removal more difficult.