 | This page documents a Wikipedia policy with legal considerations. This page is also a Wikimedia Foundation policy, established by Jimmy Wales and endorsed by the Foundation as necessary for the operation of the sites under its jurisdiction. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Delete libelous material when it has been identified. |
Look up libel in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
The goal of Wikipedia is to create an encyclopedic information source adhering to a neutral point of view, with referenced information through the citation of reliable published sources, so as to maintain a standard of verifiability.[1] [better source needed]
It is the responsibility of all contributors to ensure that the material posted on Wikipedia is not defamatory.
It is a Wikipedia policy to immediately delete libelous material when it has been identified. Page revisions containing libelous content should also be removed from the page history. Libelous material (otherwise known as defamation) is reasonably likely to damage a person or company's reputation and could expose Wikipedia to legal consequences.