Wikipedia, which is considered an online knowledge hub, has now come under the target of the central government. The center has issued a notice to Wikipedia. The website has been accused of bias and giving wrong information. This notice has been issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Apart from this, the government has also raised questions on the role of Wiki Pedia. The government asked the website whether it should be considered a publisher or a mediator.
Allegation of bias on Wikipedia
The central government has cited complaints in the notice sent to Wiki Pedia, which states that the information on the website is often biased. The government believes that certain groups have more control over Wikipedia pages, which can change the entire form of the content. According to Wiki Pedia, it is a community platform where people can provide content of their own free will, but the government has objected to it.
Strong reaction from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has accused Wiki Pedia that this website often giving wrong and misleading information. According to the government, some people fail to maintain impartiality while editing on the platform at any time. The public needs to get fair and correct information from an important information source like Wikipedia, but often this is not done.
Question on the role of mediator or publisher
The government has raised questions on Wikipedia being a mediator or publisher. The ministry says that instead of considering Wiki Pedia as a mediator, it should be seen as a publisher, because here the editing and publication of content is controlled in a way. If it is considered a publisher, then the responsibility of the website increases. The government’s strict response on this issue indicates that it is now seriously considering the role of online platforms.
Wikipedia has been embroiled in legal disputes earlier too
Wiki Pedia has been embroiled in many legal disputes in India earlier too. This time too, complaints have been filed against Wikipedia for incorrect and defamatory content. There are cases going on in the court regarding the information available on the website, and its troubles may increase further after the notice issued by the government. If Wikipedia gets the status of a publisher, then its legal responsibilities may increase further.
