The center has issued a notice to Wikipedia over alleged bias and inaccuracies in its information, as revealed by the sources.The notice highlights the encyclopedia’s alleged bias and inaccuracies on its platform. It further pointed out to a small group having editorial control.
As reported by the PTI, the center in its complaint, also asked why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary while initiating action.
As reported by the ANI, “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.”
Meanwhile, Wikipedia also advertises itself as a free online encyclopedia where volunteers are allowed to create or edit pages on personalities, issues or various subjects.
The government notice comes amid a legal battle in the Delhi High Court where the news agency Asian News International (ANI) has demanded information about users who made edits to an entry about the firm. Wikipedia was also issued a contempt of court notice by the Delhi High Court in this regard.
“If you are an intermediary, why are you bothered? If somebody else has edited and that addition is without basis, then it comes down. They are not here to protect…” Bar and Bench quoted Justice Subramonium Prasad as saying.
On talking about the complaints of bias and inaccuracies at the online platform, BJP leader and Minister Giriraj Singh said, “Wikipedia is completely biased, where was Wikipedia content when Kanhaiya tailor was killed and when all maulanas were spreading propaganda on Waqf amendment. I believe the government will make stringent measures for Wikipedia.”
However, So far, neither the government nor Wikipedia has issued an official statement on the matter.