Wikipedia and the challenges of disinformation

In an environment of post-truth, Wikipedia finds itself at the intersection of trust and skepticism. While it remains one of the most consulted sources of information globally, it is also a prime target for manipulation by actors seeking to exploit its open-editing model for ideological or political gain - from attempts at "project capture", state-sponsored manipulation by authoritarian regimes and state actors to control narratives on Wikipedia, or manipulations for commercial Influence and reputation management. Recently, AI and information laundering with the rise of AI-generated content, is posing new threats.

Wikipedia’s openness makes it a sanctuary for verifiable knowledge. The platform's transparency, traceability, and community-driven governance provide robust defenses against manipulation. Wikimedia's policy on disinformation is informed by its principles - Neutral Point of View (NPOV), transparency, community governance and proactive moderation, use of reliable sources in particular.

Wikipedia is an active participant against disinformation. It remains a model for digital resilience, in particular thanks to a strong community governance and technological innovation - such as the Wikipedia Sensitivity Meter and the Wikipedia Sensitivity Barometer, developed with Opsci.ai for the PROMPT project.

In its recommendations, Wikimedia France suggests several strategic steps: to strengthen community governance; to leverage technology, to reinforce policy advocacy at the EU-level, to advocate for more transparency in AI and enhance collaboration among Wikimedia chapters, in particular in high-risk regions to build resilience against state censorship and political interference.