Wikipedia Gets Centre's Notice Over Alleged Bias and Inaccuracies

New Delhi: The Indian government has issued a notice to Wikipedia over alleged bias and inaccuracies in its information, according to sources. In the notice, the Centre called out the online encyclopedia's alleged bias and inaccuracies on its platform. The notice issued also pointed out to a small group of having editorial control.

The Centre also questioned why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of a intermediary.

News agency ANI, citing sources reported, "Govt of India puts Wikipedia on notice. Govt writes to Wikipedia pointing out many complaints of bias and inaccuracies in Wikipedia, points out a small group having editorial control and asks why Wikipedia shouldn’t be treated as a publisher instead of an intermediary." 

Speaking on the complaints of bias and inaccuracies at the online platform, BJP leader and Minister Giriraj Singh said, "Wikipedia is completely biased, where was Wikipedia content when Kanhaiya tailor was killed and when all maulanas were spreading propaganda on Waqf amendment. I believe govt will make stringent measures for Wikipedia."

The recent development comes amid a legal battle in regard to news agency Asian News International (ANI). 

Earlier in September this year, the popular website was under the radar of the Delhi High Court for withholding information about those who edited the entry page of Asian News International on the widely used online encyclopedia. Wikipedia was also issued a contempt of court notice by the Delhi High Court in this regard. The recent development comes amid a legal battle in regard to news agency Asian News International (ANI). ANI has also demanded information about users who made edits to an entry about the firm; the alleged edit referred to ANI as "the propaganda tool" of the Indian government. 

So far, neither the government nor Wikipedia has issued an official statement on the matter.

More details are awaited.