Is Wikipedia in Trouble?
The Indian government has issued an official notice to Wikipedia, raising concerns over complaints of alleged bias and inaccuracies in articles related to Indian affairs, historical events, and cultural topics. The notice comes in response to a series of complaints from citizens, government agencies, and advocacy groups, who allege that certain pages on the widely-used online encyclopaedia contain misleading information and display potential bias against India. In its case, the government also questioned why, when taking action, Wikipedia could not be regarded as a publisher rather than a middleman. According to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's message, some people believe that only a few individuals have editorial control over the publication's content.
Interestingly, Wikipedia advertises itself as a free online encyclopedia where volunteers can add or modify entries on various topics, personalities, or issues. Due to allegations of false and libelous content, the well-known online information source is involved in legal proceedings in India. The latest government notification coincides with a court case in the Delhi High Court where news organization Asian News International, or ANI, has requested details of individuals who altered an article on the company; the purported edit called ANI "the propaganda tool" of the Indian government.
In response to the notice, the Indian government has suggested that Wikipedia take corrective action by working with local experts to review content related to Indian affairs and ensure fair representation. Additionally, the notice has requested that Wikipedia establish a more rigorous moderation system for India-focused content, potentially involving regional experts or historians to monitor articles for accuracy and neutrality.
The Centre’s action reflects broader concerns among nations about ensuring that globally accessible information sources are fair and factual, especially when discussing sensitive subjects. The rise of misinformation and bias on the internet has prompted several countries to seek more proactive stances on monitoring the content on popular platforms. The Centre has requested a response from Wikipedia within a specified time frame, following which further actions may be taken if necessary.
