VIAF is a composite of several existing authority control databases, and so includes all the content from many of the other systems. Any entity with, for example, a LCCN should have a corresponding VIAF number as well, but not every entity with a VIAF number will have an LCCN. Adding VIAF now does not preclude the inclusion of other identifiers in future (and may indeed make it easier); this isn't aiming to impose a sole standard.
Why only people?
The authority control system does cover other things, but for the moment we are only planning to cover people - this is to simplify the initial program, as well as target the articles where the template is most likely to be useful.
What about errors in VIAF?
We plan to set up a method for reporting apparent errors in VIAF (or its constituent catalogues) back to the relevant managing body, and for linkage repair on-Wiki. For the German equivalent noticeboard, see de:WP:PND/F.
What about licensing?
VIAF is licensed as ODC-BY, which is compatible with Wikipedia licensing; the use of a VIAF URI is sufficient attribution for the terms of the license.
Will this give any control over Wikipedia content to third parties?
No. While we will be including VIAF identifiers, the content of Wikipedia and VIAF will remain entirely separate. No metadata will be imported automatically from VIAF, nor will Wikipedia need to follow VIAF naming conventions.
What about contentious pages?
For pages with an entry in the Special:Log/protect less than a year old, the template will not be put on the user page, but on the associated talk page with explanatory text so editors familiar with the issues related to the page can deal with it as appropiate. For the purposes of Wikipedia:Sanctions, the first revert of a automated or semi-automated addition of authority control information shall not count as a revert.
What about pages covering two people?
There are many cases where a single article deals with two individuals. If two VIAF identifiers refer to the same article, this will be logged but not added to the article; if it currently contains one but not the other, or a mixture of identifiers referring to both, this will also be flagged.
Wikipedia:Authority control integration proposal/FAQ
