US lawmakers investigate Wikipedia due to bias allegations
(MENAFN) US lawmakers have initiated an investigation into Wikipedia amid accusations that the platform spreads anti-Israel and anti-Ukraine narratives and promotes “coded hate” through the ‘early life’ sections of biographies. Critics have long questioned Wikipedia’s credibility, citing an alleged left-leaning bias.
On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, led by Republicans James Comer and Nancy Mace, formally requested that the Wikimedia Foundation provide records of editorial activity and explain how it counters coordinated efforts to influence content. The inquiry follows numerous complaints about attempts to “manipulate information on Wikipedia for propaganda targeting Western audiences.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group focused on combating bigotry and anti-Semitism, previously accused Wikipedia of harboring anti-Israel bias, pointing to a coordinated effort by around 30 editors emphasizing criticism of Israel. Similarly, the Atlantic Council think tank alleged that pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian messages have been promoted on the platform through links to Russian-affiliated sources.
Investigative journalist Dominic Michael Tripi reported that the committee may be pressuring Wikipedia to remove ‘early life’ sections from personal pages after the ADL labeled these sections—often detailing ethnicity, religion, and birth gender—as “coded hate” used to facilitate harassment.
Wikipedia’s neutrality has frequently been questioned, with many users claiming its entries, especially on sensitive cultural and political topics, lean left. Last year, billionaire Elon Musk called the site “Wokepedia” and urged people to stop donating due to its heavy focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Russia has criticized Wikipedia for promoting Western-centric views. Last year, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the platform of presenting biased interpretations and containing outright fabrications.
Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has also claimed the platform is used by US intelligence agencies as a tool to advance liberal establishment agendas.
On Wednesday, the House Oversight Committee and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, led by Republicans James Comer and Nancy Mace, formally requested that the Wikimedia Foundation provide records of editorial activity and explain how it counters coordinated efforts to influence content. The inquiry follows numerous complaints about attempts to “manipulate information on Wikipedia for propaganda targeting Western audiences.”
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a group focused on combating bigotry and anti-Semitism, previously accused Wikipedia of harboring anti-Israel bias, pointing to a coordinated effort by around 30 editors emphasizing criticism of Israel. Similarly, the Atlantic Council think tank alleged that pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian messages have been promoted on the platform through links to Russian-affiliated sources.
Investigative journalist Dominic Michael Tripi reported that the committee may be pressuring Wikipedia to remove ‘early life’ sections from personal pages after the ADL labeled these sections—often detailing ethnicity, religion, and birth gender—as “coded hate” used to facilitate harassment.
Wikipedia’s neutrality has frequently been questioned, with many users claiming its entries, especially on sensitive cultural and political topics, lean left. Last year, billionaire Elon Musk called the site “Wokepedia” and urged people to stop donating due to its heavy focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Russia has criticized Wikipedia for promoting Western-centric views. Last year, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused the platform of presenting biased interpretations and containing outright fabrications.
Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has also claimed the platform is used by US intelligence agencies as a tool to advance liberal establishment agendas.
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