India Sends Notice To Wikipedia After Complaints Of Bias And Inaccuracies
The Indian government has formally issued a notice to Wikipedia, citing numerous complaints about bias and inaccuracies in its content. Sources indicate that the government has highlighted concerns about a select group exerting editorial control and questioned why Wikipedia should not be regarded as a publisher rather than an intermediary.
The issue gained momentum when the Delhi High Court, on 5 September 2024, criticised Wikipedia for not complying with an earlier order. This order required Wikipedia to disclose the identities of subscribers who edited the Wikipedia page of Asian News International (ANI), one of India’s top most news agencies. The court, warning of potential consequences, stated, “If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India,” and suggested that non-compliance might lead to the platform being blocked in the country.
The case arose from ANI’s grievance over allegedly defamatory content on its Wikipedia page, which described the news agency as a “propaganda tool for the incumbent government.” ANI contended that its efforts to correct the page with verified and reliable sources were overridden, restoring the disputed claims. ANI’s plea accused Wikipedia of deliberately allowing misleading information to be published, signalling an intent to tarnish the agency’s reputation.
The court had earlier instructed Wikipedia to provide ANI with details of the subscribers who made the contentious edits by 20 August 2024. ANI argued that despite reminders, Wikipedia failed to comply, constituting “wilful disobedience” of the order. In response, the court mandated the appearance of an authorised representative from Wikipedia at the next hearing.
In a statement, the Wikimedia Foundation expressed respect for the Delhi High Court and assured that its legal team was reviewing the situation. “We are committed to taking all necessary actions in accordance with applicable laws to defend Wikipedians’ right to contribute and share reliable information,” the foundation stated, adding that the decision to initiate contempt proceedings came unexpectedly.
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Wikipedia content is collaboratively generated by a global network of volunteers. Users can create and edit articles, which must adhere to strict editorial guidelines ensuring neutrality and factual accuracy. Content must be verifiable, with citations from credible sources such as reputable news outlets and academic publications. Articles are monitored by experienced editors and administrators, who resolve disputes and prevent vandalism. Automated bots assist in maintaining quality control, while “Talk” pages provide a forum for discussion and collaboration on edits. This open model keeps Wikipedia dynamic but dependent on community efforts for reliability.
