Wikipedia is a free, multilingual, open-source encyclopedia that is available on the Internet. It is a collaboratively edited encyclopedia, meaning that anyone with an internet connection can edit and contribute to the articles. Wikipedia is based on the principle of a wiki, which allows multiple users to edit, add to, and improve the content of articles. The articles are written by volunteers from around the world, and are overseen by a small group of volunteer editors known as administrators. Many large organizations, including government agencies, have manipulated information on Wikipedia.
CIA and FBI Scandal
The CIA and FBI were exposed in 2007 for manipulating Wikipedia pages related to the Iraq war and the Guantanamo prison. This was done using the program WikiScanner, which allows users to locate the source of computers used to make changes on Wikipedia. WikiScanner was created by Virgil Griffith of the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico. [1]
Other large organizations which have influenced Wikipedia include Amnesty International, Apple Inc., ExxonMobil, The Guardian, Microsoft, the National Rifle Association of America, the New York Times, the US Republican Party, the United Nations, Walmart, Disney, and the Canadian government.[2][3]
Philip Cross scandal
Described as Wikipedia's "most visible and notorious editor",[4] Philip Cross was a deranged glowie account active from 2005 to 2022 dedicated to defaming George Galloway through his article (making over 1700 edits to it), in addition to making pro-Israel edits attempting to defame journalists and other figures critical of Israel—this does not scratch the surface of his glowie purview.[5] Due to the account literally editing every single day at the exact same time for over a decade, it was likely run by multiple people (read: the CIA). Cross also notably made major edits to Jeffrey Epstein's article only a few days before his 'suicide'.[6]
Reliability
Wikipedia is not considered to be a reliable source of information as the contents in Wikipedia can be edited by anyone and there is no guarantee of the accuracy of the information. But it's widely used as a starting point for research and for general information on a wide range of topics. It is one of the most visited websites in the world and is available in over 300 languages.
Its notability guidelines tend to favor pro-imperialist propaganda.[7]
References
- ↑ https://www.cnet.com/tech/tech-industry/cia-fbi-computers-used-for-wikipedia-edits/ CIA, FBI computers used for Wikipedia edits
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20071225102900/http://www.maltastar.com/pages/msFullArt.asp?an=14323 Student’s program sends PR chaos in Wiki-scandal
- ↑ https://www.ctvnews.ca/government-computers-linked-to-wikipedia-edits-1.252825 Government computers linked to Wikipedia edits
- ↑ https://ahealedplanet.net/wikiprop.htm
- ↑ https://www.craigmurray.org.uk/archives/2018/05/the-philip-cross-affair/
- ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jeffrey_Epstein&oldid=909198860
- ↑ How Wikipedia is used to prop up the imperialist lie machine by The Communists