The Indian government has issued a formal notice to Wikipedia, expressing concerns over alleged editorial bias and misinformation within its articles. According to an ANI report citing government sources, the notice addresses mounting complaints from stakeholders about inaccuracies and potential bias on the platform.
Govt of India puts Wikipedia on notice. Govt writes to Wikipedia pointing out many complaints of bias and inaccuracies in Wikipedia, points out a small group having editorial control and asks why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary: Sources
— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2024
The government’s notice challenges Wikipedia’s designation as an “intermediary” under Indian law, questioning whether it should instead be classified as a “publisher.” This distinction is significant, as intermediaries are largely shielded from legal responsibility for user-generated content, while publishers could face accountability for content accuracy and potential defamation.
This formal action follows a defamation lawsuit recently filed by Asian News International (ANI) against Wikipedia. ANI is seeking damages of ₹2 crores, alleging that Wikipedia allowed defamatory edits labelling ANI as a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government. The Delhi High Court has taken up the case and questioned Wikipedia’s claim of being an “encyclopaedia,” given its open editing model. The court expressed concerns over Wikipedia’s refusal to remove the disputed content, particularly given its influence as an information resource.
In response to the defamation case, the High Court has directed Wikipedia to disclose the identities of three editors involved in these controversial edits. However, the Wikimedia Foundation has since appealed this directive, and the matter is under review by a division bench. ANI’s petition also demands the removal of content accusing it of disseminating information from “fake news websites.”
The court criticized Wikipedia’s open editing system as “dangerous,” pointing out that it allows any user to make changes to articles, raising risks of misinformation. The Wikimedia Foundation has responded, stating that Wikipedia enforces guidelines to uphold content integrity and that contributors are expected to comply with legal standards.
Founded in the early 2000s, Wikipedia now hosts over 56 million articles in more than 300 languages, with approximately 89 percent available in languages other than English. It remains a crucial source of information for millions worldwide.
(With inputs from CNBC TV18)
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