Wikipedia pulled up by I&B over 'publisher' vs 'platform' status

by editor@exchange4media.com
Published: Nov 8, 2024 10:21 AM | 2 min read

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reportedly sent a notice to the collaborative online information website Wikipedia, asking why it shouldn’t be categorised as a publisher.

A news report said that the I&B ministry sent out the notice in light of complaints about Wikipedia’s political bias and inaccuracies in its content.

The development unfolds with the online encyclopedia currently locked in a legal case with Asian News International (ANI). ANI has accused Wikipedia of defamatory content, where the online portal has classified ANI as a propaganda tool of the government.

Wikipedia is a collaborative online encyclopedia where volunteers from all over the world contribute to the content. A publisher is a platform where the editorial oversees the content.

The notice questions Wikipedia whether it should continue as an intermediary or be classified as a publisher.

In light of the developments, the Delhi High Court has termed Wikipedia’s editing system as “dangerous”, where its open-model can be accessed by anyone with an account.

The notice questions whether Wikipedia should come under the ambit of a “publisher” that warrants legal accountability rather than a social media intermediary.

Social media intermediaries have immunity against being prosecuted by the content posted on their platform and may be pulled up by the ruling government only if the information is illegal or false.

It was reported that Wikipedia refused to reveal the identities of its editors who made changes to ANI's page despite repeated requests from the Delhi HC.