According to recent reports, it was claimed that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) has sent a notice to Wikipedia, raising concerns related to alleged biases and inaccuracies on the platform. This development comes as part of a larger case currently pending in the Delhi High Court, where Wikipedia is facing allegations related to defamatory content on the page of Asian News International (ANI), a prominent Indian news agency.

According to a report filed by The Economic Times, the notice further questions whether Wikipedia should continue to operate as an “intermediary” or be reclassified as a “publisher”, given the editorial control allegedly exercised by a select few.

Delhi High Court calls Wikipedia editing system ‘dangerous’

The Delhi High Court recently described Wikipedia’s open editing model as “dangerous” and further raised concerns related to unrestricted user editing features that could lead to the publication of harmful or inaccurate information about figures. and public entities.

This sentiment was expressed in a case where ANI accused Wikipedia of hosting defamatory content, and ANI was portrayed as a “propaganda tool” for the government.

The court also emphasized that open editing could be a risk if used incorrectly.

Government seeks clarification on Wikipedia’s editorial model

According to the notice, the I&B Ministry expressed concern over Wikipedia’s editorial model, which was being questioned over the degree of control a small group had and highlighting cases of alleged biases and inaccuracies.

The ministry further asked why Wikipedia, given its editorial influence, should not be treated as a “publisher” with legal responsibility rather than an “intermediary.” Under Indian law, intermediaries are generally protected from liability for user-generated content, while publishers face stricter liability.

Wikipedia’s refusal to reveal editor information

It was further reported that the platform refused to reveal the identities of the users who made the alleged edits on the ANI page, despite repeated requests from the Delhi High Court.

Wikipedia’s legal representatives defended its editing model, noting that users are subject to policies that require verifiable content. However, the lack of transparency around user identities in cases of disinformation remains a point of contention.

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