Wikipedia:Contentious topics/Comparison with discretionary sanctions
 | This page summarises the differences between discretionary sanctions and contentious topics procedures. In cases of difference the contentious topics procedure is the correct version. |
 | This page in a nutshell: Contentious topics are specially-designated topics that have attracted more persistent disruptive editing than the rest of the project. This system replaced the former discretionary sanctions system, and there are several differences between the two. |
The guide is used to describe the differences between the former discretionary sanctions procedure and the new contentious topics system. For a detailed version or if you are not familiar with discretionary sanctions, it is instead recommended to read the contentious topics procedure page.
Awareness
The awareness rules have significantly changed. Editors no longer need to be alerted every 12 months, as they are presumed to remain aware after their first alert. When alerting an editor who has never received a contentious topic or discretionary sanction alert for any topic, you must use {{alert/first}}. In other cases you may use {{alert}}, {{alert/DS}} or any message that conveys the contentious topics restriction is active.
What happens to discretionary sanctions restrictions?
Any restrictions imposed under the former discretionary sanctions system are governed by the contentious topics procedure for appeals and modifications. However, the following transitional rules apply:
- Single-admin DS page restrictions can be renewed, modified and removed in the same way as contentious topics restrictions
- Single-admin DS editor restrictions do not become subject to modification and revocation after a year.