Roll out of global API rate limits for identified requests

Hi


We are now ready to start rolling out the next phase of global API rate
limits. As previously announced
<https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/[email protected]/thread/GBFZTN3A233IR6F4HEENCIUCVI2ZH6YB/>,
this will apply to all API requests, including those that we class as
identified.

The full set of limits
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Wikimedia_APIs/Rate_limits> have now been
published on wiki, along with answers to frequently asked questions
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Wikimedia_APIs/Rate_limits/FAQ> that we
received after the roll out of limits to anonymous requests. We will
gradually ramp down to the published limits, starting from next Tuesday
28th April. We expect to be at the final limits by the end of May.

As part of this change we have moved from per-hour limits to per-minute
limits, so please bear that in mind when you first look at the docs! This
is preferable, as it helps smooth aggregate request rates and also minimises
the impact on any user that inadvertently hits a limit.

These limits are based on extensive analysis of API request data, but it is
possible that some bots or gadgets may still trigger rate limits. We will
be actively monitoring all relevant spaces, so please do let us know if you
need help to work out the best way forward should this happen.

Thank you for your engagement with this. I hope from our actions it is
clear that we are not trying to limit community usage, but protect our
projects from automated usage at a scale we cannot support
<https://diff.wikimedia.org/2026/03/26/quo-vadis-crawlers-progress-and-whats-next-on-safeguarding-our-infrastructure/>
without ensuring it is a fair and sustainable use
<https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/MediaWiki_Product_Insights/Responsible_Reuse>
of resources.

Best
Jonathan

-- 
Jonathan Tweed (he/him)
Senior Product Manager, Core Platform
Wikimedia Foundation

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