o4 Mirror:
What is This:
An update to the current rules on what you can and cannot name yourself as a user of the wiki.
Why?
We have lately witnessed several instances of users applying to join the wiki with names that some members of moderation find objectionable. We want to make these rules more clear. Specifically, we have seen users apply to the site with self-deprecating or self-demeaning usernames. We are concerned that these usernames will not allow users to participate on the site without incident, or that they will make Rule 0 violations a murkier area in a way that we would prefer to avoid. For instance, someone with the username "the worst writer" would only be able to be referred to with that insulting title, and Disciplinary wishes to avoid having to litigate a potential Rule 0 violation that would stem from comments that the username is accurate.
Solution
Following is the current (as of 24/1/2026) rules on usernames for the wiki:
Username Policy
The SCP Wiki maintains a policy that dictates what constitutes usernames that are permissible for membership. The policy is as follows:
- No names with profanity, slurs, offensive content or connotations. The final decision on what constitutes offensive content is made at the discretion of Site Staff.
- No names implying official staff positions. (e.g. Staff, Operational Staff, Moderator, Admin, Administrator, etc.)
- No names implying specific, unique positions/affiliations in the Foundation or other fictional groups on our website. In addition, no names that are based on pre-established Foundation characters, from works found on the wiki.
- For example, names containing SCP, Director, D-XXXX, O5-Queen, MTF Captain XXXX or named characters like Clef, Gears, or Kondraki would not be permissible. For a summary of existing characters or entities, please refer to the character tab of the Tech Hub Tag List. (Note: Authors who are responsible for the creation of said tagged characters are exempt.)
- No names that impersonate or reference notable public figures. For example, "DrJoeBiden" is not allowed while "DrJoe" is.
The username policy is enforceable both for prospective members, and existing SCP Wiki members; enforcement for existing members is implemented on a case-by-case basis, at such a time when an existing user with a non-permissible username posts a page, or comments on a discussion thread.
Following is the proposed changes to the rules, with proposed additions in blue.
Username Policy
The SCP Wiki maintains a policy that dictates what constitutes usernames that are permissible for membership. The policy is as follows:
- No names with profanity, slurs, offensive content or connotations. The final decision on what constitutes offensive content is made at the discretion of Site Staff.
- No self-degrading names. (e.g., iamastupididiot, Shitty Writer, dumb_moron, etc.)
- No names implying official staff positions. (e.g. Staff, Operational Staff, Moderator, Admin, Administrator, etc.)
- No names implying specific, unique positions/affiliations in the Foundation or other fictional groups on our website. In addition, no names that are based on pre-established Foundation characters, from works found on the wiki.
- For example, names containing SCP, Director, D-XXXX, O5-Queen, MTF Captain XXXX or named characters like Clef, Gears, or Kondraki would not be permissible. For a summary of existing characters or entities, please refer to the character tab of the Tech Hub Tag List. (Note: This does not apply to characters which are named after an established user, for that user).
- Usernames that reference fictional characters are allowed, so long as you don't intend to roleplay as that character (see our rule against roleplaying).
- To clarify: you may name yourself things such as Lieutenant , General Zod, God King Skovald, etc., but you may NOT name yourself things such as MTF Alpha-9 Member, DrGearsFan, or SCP-ABILLION.
- No names that impersonate or reference notable public figures. For example, "DrJoeBiden" is not allowed while "DrJoe" is.
The username policy is enforceable both for prospective members, and existing SCP Wiki members; enforcement for existing members is implemented on a case-by-case basis, at such a time when an existing user with a non-permissible username posts a page, or comments on a discussion thread.
Benefits/Concerns
This will help reduce general confusion by new members when asked to rename themselves, and will allow staff to have a concrete body of rules to point to when faced with pushback.