How does CheckUser work on Wikipedia?

Answer 1

CheckUser is a tool on Wikipedia that allows authorized users, typically administrators, to investigate the editing behavior of users by examining their IP addresses and other technical data. It helps identify potential sockpuppetry, where a user creates multiple accounts to evade blocks or manipulate discussions. The tool can reveal connections between accounts based on shared IP addresses or other identifiable information, allowing for more effective enforcement of community policies. However, the use of CheckUser is subject to strict privacy guidelines to protect user anonymity.