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This template is used in articles to identify articles that name sources, but that are biased because too many named sources have a very close connection to the subject, such as the manufacturer of a product. This template can be used for any closely affiliated source, even if the source is not self-published.
Usage
Place this template on the page by pasting {{Independent sources|date=July 2025}} at the top.
For sections, use {{Independent sources|section}}
Adding this template to an article places the article into one of a family of categories identifying "Articles lacking reliable references". To find all such articles, see Category:All articles lacking reliable references.
When not to use this template
Contentious material about living persons that is unsourced or poorly sourced should be removed immediately. Do not tag it—remove it. For more information, see the section on poorly sourced contentious material in the Biography of Living Persons policy.
Material which is doubtful and harmful may be removed immediately, rather than tagged. See Unsourced material.
If no reference is given, use the {{citation needed}} tag instead.
If you have the time and ability to find a better reference, please do so. Then correct the citation yourself, or correct the article text. After all, the ultimate goal is not to merely identify problems, but to fix them.
See also
- Wikipedia:Party and person
- {{Dubious}}—to flag something as suspected of being incorrect
- {{Primary source inline}}—for inappropriate use of primary sources (including independent primary sources)
- {{Independent source inline}}—to identify individual statements that should be supported by non-self-published, independent sources
- {{Unreliable source?}}—to flag a source as possibly being unreliable and/or unverifiable
Use this tag to alert editors that the article may be biased by overuse of sources with a close connection to the subject
| Parameter | Description | Type | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type (section) | 1 | Something to replace the word "article", normally "section".
| String | optional |
| Source | 2 | A specific source in dispute | Unknown | optional |
| Month and year | date | no description
| String | suggested |