# AbuseFilter

> MediaWiki extension that allows privileged users to set specific actions to be taken when user actions, such as edits, match certain criteria

**Wikidata**: [Q134589302](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q134589302)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abusefilter

## Summary
AbuseFilter is a MediaWiki extension developed by Victor Vasiliev that allows privileged users to define automated actions when user edits or other actions match specific criteria. It is distributed as free software under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, and has been recognized with awards like the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award.

## Key Facts
- A MediaWiki extension that enables automated moderation actions based on predefined criteria.
- Developed by Victor Vasiliev and Andrew Garrett.
- Released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later.
- Current stable version is 1.38, released on 2024-12-27.
- Used in multiple Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia and Wikivoyage.
- Won the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award.
- Distributed as free software, allowing users to run, study, modify, and redistribute it.
- Primarily used to filter and manage abusive or unwanted edits.
- Implements hooks such as GetAutoPromoteGroups, MovePageCheckPermissions, and RecentChange_save.
- Maintained in repositories including Phabricator, Gerrit, and GitHub.
- Available in multiple languages, with English as the primary language for documentation.

## FAQs
- **What is AbuseFilter used for?** AbuseFilter is used to automatically apply predefined actions when user edits or other actions match specific criteria, such as blocking or warning users for abusive behavior.
- **Who developed AbuseFilter?** AbuseFilter was developed by Victor Vasiliev and Andrew Garrett.
- **Is AbuseFilter free software?** Yes, AbuseFilter is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, making it free software.
- **What awards has AbuseFilter received?** AbuseFilter won the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award.
- **How is AbuseFilter maintained?** AbuseFilter is maintained in repositories such as Phabricator, Gerrit, and GitHub, with releases tracked on GitHub.
- **What languages is AbuseFilter available in?** AbuseFilter is available in multiple languages, with English documentation being the primary language.
- **What are the latest versions of AbuseFilter?** The latest stable version is 1.38, released on 2024-12-27, with previous versions including 1.19 through 1.37.
- **How does AbuseFilter integrate with MediaWiki?** AbuseFilter integrates with MediaWiki through hooks such as GetAutoPromoteGroups, MovePageCheckPermissions, and RecentChange_save.

## Why It Matters
AbuseFilter plays a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of Wikimedia projects by automating the detection and response to abusive or unwanted edits. By allowing privileged users to define specific actions based on criteria, it helps streamline moderation efforts and reduce manual intervention. Its recognition with the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award highlights its effectiveness and impact on the Wikimedia community. As free software, it also promotes transparency and community-driven development, ensuring that the tool remains adaptable to evolving needs.

## Notable For
- Won the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award, recognizing its innovative approach to automated moderation.
- Implements a comprehensive set of MediaWiki hooks, including GetAutoPromoteGroups, MovePageCheckPermissions, and RecentChange_save.
- Maintained in multiple repositories, including Phabricator, Gerrit, and GitHub, ensuring robust development and issue tracking.
- Available in multiple languages, with English documentation as the primary resource.
- Released under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, ensuring its status as free software.
- Used in multiple Wikimedia projects, demonstrating its widespread adoption and utility.

## Body
### Overview
AbuseFilter is a MediaWiki extension that allows privileged users to define automated actions when user edits or other actions match specific criteria. It is developed by Victor Vasiliev and Andrew Garrett and distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, making it free software. The extension has been recognized with the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award, highlighting its effectiveness in automated moderation.

### Development and Maintenance
AbuseFilter was developed by Victor Vasiliev and Andrew Garrett. It is maintained in repositories such as Phabricator, Gerrit, and GitHub, with releases tracked on GitHub. The current stable version is 1.38, released on 2024-12-27, following previous versions including 1.19 through 1.37. The extension is available in multiple languages, with English documentation being the primary language.

### Integration and Functionality
AbuseFilter integrates with MediaWiki through hooks such as GetAutoPromoteGroups, MovePageCheckPermissions, and RecentChange_save. These hooks enable the extension to interact with various aspects of MediaWiki, including user promotions, page moves, and recent changes. The extension is used to filter and manage abusive or unwanted edits, providing a automated response mechanism for moderators.

### Awards and Recognition
AbuseFilter won the 2020 Wikimedia Coolest Tool Award, recognizing its innovative approach to automated moderation. This award highlights the extension's impact on the Wikimedia community and its effectiveness in maintaining the quality of content.

### Licensing and Distribution
AbuseFilter is distributed under the GNU General Public License, version 2.0 or later, ensuring its status as free software. This license allows users to run, study, modify, and redistribute the software, promoting transparency and community-driven development.

### Related Projects and Extensions
AbuseFilter is distinct from Project:Abuse filter, which may refer to a different project or initiative. It is partially coincident with Help:Edit filter, indicating a shared focus on edit-related moderation tools. The extension is used in multiple Wikimedia projects, including Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, demonstrating its widespread adoption and utility.

## References

1. [Source](https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Coolest_Tool_Award/2020#Quality:_AbuseFilter)
2. [Release 1.19. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_19)
3. [Release 1.20. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_20)
4. [Release 1.21. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_21)
5. [Release 1.22. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_22)
6. [Release 1.23. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_23)
7. [Release 1.24. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_24)
8. [Release 1.25. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_25)
9. [Release 1.26. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_26)
10. [Release 1.27. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_27)
11. [Release 1.28. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_28)
12. [Release 1.29. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_29)
13. [Release 1.30. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_30)
14. [Release 1.31. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_31)
15. [Release 1.32. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_32)
16. [Release 1.33. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_33)
17. [Release 1.34. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_34)
18. [Release 1.35. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_35)
19. [Release 1.36. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_36)
20. [Release 1.37. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_37)
21. [Release 1.38. 2024](https://github.com/wikimedia/mediawiki-extensions-AbuseFilter/releases/tag/REL1_38)