Censorship of Wikipedia

Censorship of Wikipedia refers to the various actions taken by governments, organizations, or individuals to restrict access to or content on Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia. As a platform that allows collaborative editing, Wikipedia is subject to censorship in different forms, ranging from blocking access to the entire site to removing or altering specific content.

Background

Wikipedia, launched in 2001, is a multilingual, web-based, free-content encyclopedia project supported by the non-profit Wikimedia Foundation. It is one of the most visited websites globally, providing information on a wide range of topics. Due to its open-editing model, Wikipedia can be edited by anyone with internet access, which has led to concerns about the accuracy and neutrality of its content.

Types of Censorship

Governmental Censorship

Many governments have attempted to censor Wikipedia to control the information available to their citizens. This can include blocking access to Wikipedia entirely or filtering specific articles that are deemed sensitive or controversial. For example, China has periodically blocked access to Wikipedia as part of its broader internet censorship policies, known as the Great Firewall.

Organizational Censorship

Organizations, such as schools or companies, may restrict access to Wikipedia to prevent exposure to certain content or to limit distractions. This type of censorship is often implemented through network filters or firewalls.

Self-Censorship

Wikipedia itself engages in a form of self-censorship through its community guidelines and policies. Articles that do not meet the Wikipedia:Notability or Wikipedia:Neutral point of view standards may be edited or deleted. Additionally, Wikipedia administrators may protect certain pages to prevent vandalism or edit wars.

Notable Incidents

Turkey

In April 2017, the Turkish government blocked access to all language editions of Wikipedia, citing a law that allows it to ban websites deemed a threat to national security. The ban was lifted in January 2020 after a ruling by the Turkish Constitutional Court.

Russia

In 2015, Russia briefly blocked access to Wikipedia over an article about charas, a form of cannabis. The block was lifted after the article was edited to comply with Russian law.

Impact of Censorship

Censorship of Wikipedia can limit the free flow of information and restrict access to knowledge. It can also lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, as censored content may not be available for public scrutiny. Furthermore, censorship can undermine Wikipedia's mission to provide free and open access to information.

Also see

• Internet censorship
• Freedom of information
• Digital rights
• Wikimedia Foundation
• Great Firewall

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  Map showing availability of Wikipedia worldwide

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  Screenshot of a blocked website message in Saudi Arabia

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  NetBlocks report on Wikipedia block in Venezuela

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  Portrait of Rémi Mathis, former president of Wikimedia France

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  VK post about Wikipedia being blocked