Biographies Of Living PersonsEdit
Biographies Of Living Persons are delicate and dynamic entries that cover individuals who are still alive. In modern reference works, these articles are treated with heightened care because information can change rapidly and because the stakes include reputation, privacy, and the right to respond. The standard practice is to emphasize verifiable facts, reliable sourcing, and a fair presentation that avoids unverified rumor or speculation while still documenting notable aspects of a person’s life and work. This approach underpins the legitimacy of biography as a genre and helps readers understand who a person is, what they have accomplished, and how public perception has evolved over time.
In many encyclopedic traditions, biographies of living persons are expected to respect the balance between public interest and individual rights. Editors strive to show the subject’s significance without turning the article into a platform for unproven allegations. The emphasis is on documenting verifiable information drawn from credible sources, including official records, major news outlets, scholarly work, and direct statements from the subject when appropriate. For context and standards, see Wikipedia:Biographies of living persons and related discussions on notability and sourcing in reference work ethics.
Scope and definition
- What counts as notable: A living person is typically eligible for a biography if there is sustained, reliable coverage in credible sources that is more than fleeting or promotional. This aligns with general criteria for notability and ensures that the article represents a person’s public significance rather than private reputation alone. See notability and public figure for related concepts.
- Subjects and coverage: Biographies Of Living Persons can include politicians, business leaders, scientists, artists, athletes, journalists, and other public entrants; they may also cover individuals who became notable due to the impact of their actions, statements, or roles in notable events. See public figure and privacy for related topics.
- Boundaries and privacy: The article should distinguish between information that is already in the public record and sensitive personal details that have little bearing on public life. The balance between public interest and privacy is a perennial concern in privacy law and ethics.
Editorial responsibilities and standards
- Sourcing and verification: Every assertion about a living person should be supported by credible sources. Editors favor primary materials when appropriate but rely on independent reporting from established outlets for more controversial claims. See sourcing and defamation for further guidance.
- Neutral presentation: The biography should reflect multiple perspectives where they are well documented, avoiding promotional language and refraining from presenting contested claims as incontrovertible fact without attribution. This aligns with the principle of neutral point of view.
- Representing controversy: When a living person is involved in ongoing or disputed matters, the article should report the positions of credible parties, note the status of proceedings, and indicate where sources disagree. See defamation and libel for legal context.
- Right to respond and corrections: Living subjects may request corrections, clarifications, or responses, and editors should consider such input in good faith while preserving verifiable facts. See right of reply and corrections policy for related processes.
- Legal and ethical risk management: Because defamatory or misleading statements can carry legal consequences, editors exercise caution, document sources, and avoid sensationalism. See defamation law and media ethics for broader principles.
Notable practices across different reference works
- Timeliness vs. accuracy: Biographies Of Living Persons require frequent updating as new information becomes available, but edits should not be rushed if they compromise accuracy. See timeliness and accuracy in reference work methodology.
- Handling personal data: Editors avoid unnecessary, invasive details and emphasize information that illuminates the person’s public life and contributions. See privacy and data protection for related concerns.
- Record of revisions: A transparent revision history helps readers assess how the article has evolved, including changes in sourcing or framing. See edit history and talk page for editorial processes.
- Use of media materials: Quotes, statements, and media appearances must be properly attributed and contextualized, with attention to potential misinterpretation or taken-out-of-context use. See quotation and media ethics.
Controversies and debates (neutral overview)
- Defamation risk and liability: Courts in many jurisdictions have clarified that publications about living persons must avoid false statements presented as facts. This fosters careful phrasing, attribution, and verification. See defamation and libel.
- Public interest versus privacy: The tension between documenting public life and preserving personal privacy is a persistent debate. Some argue that significant public roles justify broader disclosure; others insist on tighter privacy protections. See privacy and public interest.
- Notability thresholds: Debates continue about where to draw lines between notable public action and routine or private life. Editors may consult community guidelines and external standards on notability.
- Cultural and regional differences: Standards for biographies vary by country and culture, reflecting differing ideas about freedom of information, reputation, and the rights of individuals. See cultural differences and media law for related discussion.
- Role of sources and spin: Critics sometimes argue that reliance on press materials or official statements can skew portrayal, whereas proponents emphasize the necessity of credible sources and verifiable quotes. See sourcing and journalism for related concepts.