Tech Made Simple

Hot Topics: How to Fix Bluetooth Pairing Problems | Complete Guide to Facebook Privacy | How to Block Spam Calls | Snapchat Symbol Meaning

We may earn commissions when you buy from links on our site. Why you can trust us.

author photo

Wikipedia Now Requiring Full Disclosure of Paid Edits

by Fox Van Allen on June 17, 2014

Wikipedia Home PageUser-edited web encyclopedia Wikipedia announced a new rule Monday requiring that article editors disclose whether their contributions to the site have been requested and paid for by a third party.

Specifically, Wikipedia now instructs paid editors to "add your affiliation to your edit summary, user page, or talk page, to fairly disclose your perspective." Paid edits must further adhere to site guidelines on writing neutral copy.

The majority of Wikipedia’s 4.5 million articles are written and edited by ordinary users like you and me and experts like scientists and historians. Increasingly, though, companies and other entities are paying people to make favorable edits to articles, replacing independent content with PR copy. The problem is especially prevalent in the political community, with congressional staffers being repeatedly accused of scrubbing negative content about their employers.

Eleven of America’s largest PR agencies have publicly agreed to abide by Wikipedia’s new rules, Ad Age reports. Late last year, the Wikimedia Foundation blocked or banned over 250 accounts believed to be associated with PR firms for violating site policies against sockpuppets and non-neutral editing.

The new rule does not affect unpaid volunteer editors, nor will it impact academics, librarians and museum directors who write expert-level content for the site as part of their job. Such professionals will need to disclose their employer only when writing about their employer directly.


Topics

Internet & Networking, News, Computers and Software, Blog


Discussion loading

Home | About | Meet the Team | Contact Us
Media Kit | Newsletter Sponsorships | Licensing & Permissions
Accessibility Statement
Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookie Policy

Techlicious participates in affiliate programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which provide a small commission from some, but not all, of the "click-thru to buy" links contained in our articles. These click-thru links are determined after the article has been written, based on price and product availability — the commissions do not impact our choice of recommended product, nor the price you pay. When you use these links, you help support our ongoing editorial mission to provide you with the best product recommendations.

© Techlicious LLC.