US lawmakers have launched an investigation into Wikipedia over allegations of spreading anti-Israel and anti-Ukraine narratives, as well as promoting hate through certain sections of the platform. The House Oversight Committee and the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity have requested that the Wikimedia Foundation provide records of editing activities and explain its methods for addressing organized campaigns to shape content.
The probe follows multiple complaints about attempts to manipulate information on the Wikipedia platform for propaganda aimed at Western audiences. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has previously complained about anti-Israel bias on the platform, citing a campaign by 30 editors seeking to highlight criticism of the Jewish state. Additionally, the Atlantic Council think tank has claimed that pro-Kremlin and anti-Ukrainian messages have been pushed on the platform through hyperlinks from Russian-linked outlets.
The credibility and objectivity of Wikipedia have long been questioned, with many users claiming that its entries on sensitive cultural and political issues often reflect a left-leaning bias. Billionaire Elon Musk has criticized the encyclopedia, branding it “Wokepedia” and urging people to stop donating to the organization over its spending on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Russia has also accused Wikipedia of promoting Western-centric narratives, with Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stating that the platform often reflects a one-sided interpretation of events and contains outright forgeries.
Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has alleged that the platform has been used by the US intelligence community as an instrument of control to further the agenda of the liberal establishment. The platform’s ‘early life’ sections have been particularly criticized, with the ADL referring to them as “coded hate” and claiming that they are used to promote harassment. The investigation by US lawmakers aims to shed light on these allegations and determine the extent to which Wikipedia is being used to spread propaganda and promote hate.
The investigation is significant, as it highlights the ongoing debate about the role of online platforms in shaping public discourse and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the dissemination of information. As the probe continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the extent to which Wikipedia is being used to promote propaganda and hate, and what steps the platform is taking to address these issues.
