The Centre has formally contacted Wikipedia regarding multiple complaints of bias and inaccuracies in the information it provides, questioning why the platform should not be classified as a publisher rather than an intermediary.
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has raised concerns about editorial control on Wikipedia, suggesting that a small group manages its pages. This communication comes amid ongoing legal disputes in India regarding alleged inaccuracies and defamatory content published by the platform.
In its notice, the Ministry questioned why Wikipedia should not be classified as a "publisher" rather than an "intermediary," given the claim of select editorial control. This notice is particularly relevant in the context of a legal case in the Delhi High Court, where the news agency Asian News International (ANI) is seeking information about users who edited a page that referred to ANI as "the propaganda tool" of the Central government.
During a recent court hearing, judges challenged Wikipedia representatives about their assertion of being a "free encyclopedia," underscoring that the site cannot evade providing requested information based on its claim to be an "intermediary" rather than a "publisher."
Wikipedia positions itself as a free online encyclopedia that allows volunteers to create and edit entries on a wide range of topics, including personalities and issues. However, the platform is currently facing legal challenges in India concerning claims of inaccurate and defamatory content.
(With inputs from agencies)
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