Government Questions Wikipedia’s Neutrality, Cites ‘Control by Small Group’
The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia following complaints of alleged bias and inaccuracies on the popular online encyclopedia, according to official sources.
In its communication to Wikipedia, the Centre raised concerns over a “small group of editors” who seem to exert significant control over content, raising questions about the platform’s neutrality.
Government Challenges Wikipedia’s Status as Intermediary
Government sources indicate that the Centre has questioned Wikipedia’s classification as an “intermediary,” suggesting it might be more fitting to label the platform as a “publisher.” This classification could impact Wikipedia’s responsibilities in terms of content moderation and liability for inaccuracies.
This scrutiny of Wikipedia comes two months after the Delhi High Court raised concerns during a case filed by news agency Asian News International (ANI), which claimed its Wikipedia page contained defamatory content. In a November 1 hearing, the High Court questioned Wikipedia’s role as a “free encyclopedia” and noted that as an intermediary, the platform should provide requested information to resolve content disputes.
Wikipedia Faces Broader Criticism for Alleged Bias
The controversy surrounding Wikipedia’s neutrality has not been limited to India. Recently, Wikipedia has come under fire in the United States, where entrepreneur Elon Musk has publicly accused the platform of bias, claiming it is influenced by “far-left activists” and urging users to reconsider donations.
As Wikipedia navigates mounting scrutiny over its editorial policies, it faces increasing calls for transparency and accountability. Neither Wikipedia nor the Indian government has released an official statement on the recent developments, but the notice underscores growing concerns regarding the platform’s role and influence in shaping public discourse.
