Centre issues notice to Wikipedia over complaints of bias and inaccuracies

In its complaint, the government also asked why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary.

Updated on: Nov 5, 2024, 13:20:45 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Centre sent a notice to Wikipedia pointing out many complaints of bias and inaccurate information on the web page. In its complaint, the government also asked why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary while initiating action, PTI reported.

The communication from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry said there is a view that a small group exercises editorial control on its pages.

Notably, Wikipedia advertises itself as a free online encyclopedia where volunteers can create or edit pages on personalities, issues or various subjects.

READ | UP Madarsa Education Act: Supreme Court upholds constitutional validity, sets aside Allahabad high court verdict

The popular online source of information is embroiled in legal cases in India over alleged inaccurate and defamatory content provided by it.

The recent government notice comes amid a legal battle in the Delhi High Court, in which news agency Asian News International, or ANI, has demanded information about users who made edits to an entry about the firm; the alleged edit referred to ANI as "the propaganda tool" of the Indian government.

READ | What S Jaishankar said on Donald Trump vs Kamala Harris fight

“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.

The High Court also noted that it was "troubling" that Wikipedia claimed to be an encyclopaedia while also warning it does not endorse its content.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.