Why in the News?

In the first half of 2024, the Asian News International (ANI) filed a defamation suit against Wikipedia Foundation and three Wikipedia administrators in the Delhi High Court, which ordered Wikipedia to disclose the administrators’ details.

What are the charges levelled by ANI in the defamation against Wikipedia?

• Defamatory Statements: ANI claims that its Wikipedia page contains false and misleading statements, including accusations of being a “propaganda tool” for the Indian government and distributing materials from fake news websites. They argue these claims tarnish their reputation and professional standing.
• Interference with Edits: ANI alleges that Wikipedia administrators have actively removed edits made by ANI-associated editors that sought to correct these statements, thereby violating their rights and obligations as an intermediary under Indian law.

Who is Allowed to Edit Wikipedia Pages?

• Any Member of the Wikipedia Community: Wikipedia allows any user to edit pages, provided they follow the platform’s guidelines. However, there are certain restrictions based on page status and the user’s account level.
• Extended Confirmed Users: Pages with a high risk of vandalism or controversial topics may be protected, meaning only editors with extended confirmed status (long-standing accounts and a minimum number of edits) can edit these pages.
• Administrators: These are experienced editors elected by the community who can make additional changes, including protecting pages, blocking users, and performing technical functions.

What are the Guidelines for Editing Wikipedia Pages?

• Reliability and Verifiability: All statements on Wikipedia must be backed by reliable, verifiable sources. Original research is not allowed, and editors are prohibited from publishing ideas or analyses not previously published elsewhere.
• Neutral Point of View (NPOV): Editors are required to maintain neutrality in writing articles. Content should not be biased or represent a particular viewpoint.
• Consensus and Collaboration: Wikipedia is a community-driven platform, and decisions about the content are made through consensus. Editors are encouraged to work together to resolve disputes.
• Page Protection: If a page is subject to frequent vandalism or disputes, it can be marked for protection, either for extended confirmed users or administrators only. This is done to maintain the integrity of the content.

Way forward: 

• Strengthen Legal Framework for Online Defamation: The Indian government should create clear legal guidelines to address defamation issues related to online platforms, ensuring accountability for platforms like Wikimedia in cases of false or misleading content.
• Promote Digital Literacy and Content Regulation: The government should invest in promoting digital literacy to help users better understand and navigate online content, and ensure platforms like Wikipedia adhere to stricter content verification and neutrality standards.

Mains PYQ:

Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

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