User:Robchurch/Blocking Mechanism

Suggestions for improvements to the actual blocking mechanism. For improvements to the interface, see User:Robchurch/Blocking.

Notes on this at /Notes

Proposed changes

Autoblocker doesn't block registered users

The purpose of the autoblocker is to prevent a blocked username from merely logging out to avoid the block. To this end, only IP addresses should be subject to autoblock, not other usernames who happen to edit after the block to a different username. Users could not create user accounts through the autoblocked IP address.

Feedback: How about we have the autoblocker block IPs where a block exists for a user (since we populate a user ID and an IP address field; we could select from the IPs when checking anon. blocks. An option would be available to prevent creation of new accounts from that IP - the first of a series of possible "flags" applied to a block.

Suggestion 2

Implement two separate blocks for the user and the IP address. When a user is blocked, their IP address is blocked, but as a separate thing, which can be unblocked independently of the original. This would be like an immediate autoblock, but could be switched off with an option. Combine with feedback from suggestion above to provide more control.

Discussion

Autoblocker doesn't block registered users

Advantages

Minimizes collateral damage (restricts it to anonymous users)

Disadvantages

Block might be less effective if user has sockpuppets (though being forced to use them might help identify them)

Proposed. I don't necessarily agree with it, but wanted to throw it out for discussion. Demi ^T/_C 21:45, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

Sam Korn suggested that this should be an option. Perhaps we might discuss in which situations which behavior would be desirable. Demi ^T/_C 21:47, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

I like this. Or perhaps, make it an option, with the default be not to block registered users? (I know, everyone wants more bells and whistles. I can see a use for both -- for example: person you know has several sleeper accounts: block registered too. Schools: don't block registered.) Mindspillage (spill yours?) 22:04, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

Autoblocker doesn't block autoconfirmed users

Requires a user to have existed for a period of time (default is 4 days) before they will be exempt from autoblocks. Rob Church ^Talk 07:35, 22 March 2006 (UTC)