In the recent, the Indian government has issued a notice to ‘Wikipedia’ over alleged bias in its information, according to the media reports. The Centre called out the online encyclopedia’s alleged bias on its platform. The notice issued also pointed out to a small group of having editorial control. The Centre questioned why ‘Wikipedia’ shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of a intermediary.
News agency ANI, citing sources reported, “Government of India puts Wikipedia on notice. Government writes to Wikipedia pointing out many complaints of bias and inaccuracies in Wikipedia, points out a small group having editorial control and asks why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary.”
BJP leader and Minister Giriraj Singh said on this, “Wikipedia is completely biased, where was Wikipedia content when Kanhaiya tailor was killed and when all maulanas were spreading propaganda on Waqf amendment. I believe govt will make stringent measures for Wikipedia.”
The recent development comes following a legal battle in regard to news agency Asian News International (ANI)
Earlier in September 2024, Delhi High Court issued a contempt of court notice to Wikipedia for withholding information about those who edited the entry page of Asian News International on the widely used online encyclopedia. The High Court warned Wikipedia over non-compliance with the Indian laws saying, “if you don’t like India, please don’t work in India, we will ask the government to block your site.”
ANI in the court alleged that Wikipedia failed to provide information on who edited press agency’s entry page on the online encyclopedia website terming the as defamatory edits. Justice Navin Chawla said, “I will impose contempt. It is not a question of Defendant No 1 (Wikipedia) not being an entity in India. We will close your business transactions here. We will ask the government to block Wikipedia. Earlier also you people have taken this argument. If you don’t like India, please don’t work in India”.
In its complaint against Wikipedia, that the news agency termed as defamatory edits, said that the encyclopedia referred to ANI as a “propaganda tool” for the BJP-led government at the Centre. The Delhi High Court had earlier ordered Wikipedia to disclose the names of the persons who made these edits on news agency opening page on its website.
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