Freedom of Knowledge at Risk – Wikipedia Editing Should Never Be a Crime
A Wikipedia Editor at WikiConference North America 2019. Photo by Omar David Sandoval Sida, published under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Wikipedia is one of the world’s most visited websites, with millions relying on it for information on everything from historical events to popular culture. Behind this free repository of knowledge stands a dedicated community of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to keep content reliable, updated, and neutral. Yet, in some parts of the world, editing Wikipedia has become a dangerous act, exposing editors to threats, legal troubles, and even arrest. The Fight for Open Knowledge Wikipedia’s mission is straightforward: to provide free and open access to knowledge. Its neutral stance is protected by policies that prohibit original research, promotional editing, and bias, ensuring content that reflects diverse perspectives. However, as the Wikipedia Signpost’s recent reports highlight,...